Herniated discs occur when the disc between the vertebrae of the spine is pressed and changes shape, which impairs its function of cushioning impacts and can also pressure the nerve roots causing pain in other areas of the body. In the case of a lumbar disc herniation, the region of the affected body is the end of the back, with the most affected spaces being L4 and L5 or L5 and S1.
A herniated disc can be classified as extruded, protruded or hijacked as the following images indicate:
The herniated disc does not always return to its normal state, especially when it comes to more serious situations such as herniated disc protruding or kidnapped, and in this case if the conservative treatment, done with physiotherapy sessions for about 2 months is not enough to For pain relief, the doctor may indicate that you have surgery to remove the defective disc and 'stick' both vertebrae, for example.
However, the most common type of hernia, which is the protrusion, improves all symptoms with physiotherapy and maintenance by performing muscle strengthening exercises such as Hydrotherapy or Clinical Pilates, for example.
Symptoms of lumbar disc herniation
Lumbar disc herniation may have the following symptoms:
- Back pain at the end of the spine, which may radiate to the buttocks or legs; There may be difficulty in moving; There may be numbness, burning or tingling in the back, buttocks or legs.
The pain may be constant or worsen when performing movements.
The diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation can be made based on the symptoms presented and on tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, requested by the orthopedic doctor or neurosurgeon specialized in the spine.
The causes of lumbar disc herniation may be related to structural changes in the spine or due to accidents, poor posture or weight lifting, for example. The most common is the appearance in people between 37 to 55 years of age, mainly in people who have very weak abdominal muscles and are overweight.
Treatments for lumbar disc herniation
The treatment for lumbar disc herniation can be done with the use of anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, indicated by the general practitioner or orthopedist, if it is not enough, injections of corticosteroids can be indicated every 6 months.
But in addition, treatment must also include physiotherapy sessions, and in the most severe cases, surgery. The length of treatment varies from person to person, depending on the symptoms she has and her daily routine. Some treatment options are:
Physiotherapy helps to relieve symptoms caused by the disease and to recover movement. It can be performed daily, or at least 3 times a week, in case of acute pain.
Apparatus can be used to control pain and inflammation and exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, as indicated by the physiotherapist. In addition, osteopathy can be used, once a week, with a specialized physiotherapist or osteopath.
Depending on the patient's health status, some Pilates exercises and global postural reeducation - RPG can be performed under supervision, but weight training exercises are contraindicated, in most cases, at least during acute pain. Weight training exercises can usually only be performed when there are no symptoms, but under medical supervision and under the supervision of the gym teacher.
Surgery for lumbar disc herniation can be done with various techniques such as laser or through the opening of the spine, to unite two vertebrae, for example. Surgery is delicate and is indicated when the other forms of treatment were not enough, always being the last option. Even because after surgery it is common for people to need physical therapy.
The risks of surgery include the worsening of symptoms due to scars that form by compressing the sciatic nerve, so this is not the first treatment option. Recovery, during the postoperative period, from the surgery is slow and the individual must remain at rest in the first days, avoiding efforts. Physical therapy for lumbar disc herniation usually begins 15 to 20 days after surgery and can last for months. Learn more details of herniated disc surgery.
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