Causes of Lumbar Herniation

A herniated disc is a disorder that occurs as a result of the weakening or rupture of the discs in the spine. This condition can affect the nerves exiting the spinal cord, causing severe pain, numbness and loss of strength. Many factors can contribute to the occurrence of a herniated disc.

Old age is a factor that increases the risk of a herniated disc. As we age, the elasticity of the discs in the spine decreases and the likelihood of herniation increases. Additionally, genetic predisposition is also a factor. Some people may be genetically predisposed to herniated discs. The risk may be higher in people with a family history of herniated disc.

Overload can also cause a herniated disc. Lifting heavy items, bending over incorrectly, or constantly overloading can lead to a herniated disc. Therefore, it is important to use correct techniques before lifting heavy loads. Additionally, trauma to the spine as a result of accidents or injuries can also cause a herniated disc. The risk of herniated disc may be higher, especially in athletes or people who have been exposed to accidents.

Smoking is also among the causes of herniated disc. Smoking can affect the nutrition of the discs in the spine, causing the discs to weaken and herniate. Additionally, obesity can also increase the risk of a herniated disc. Excess weight puts extra load on the spine, which can cause the discs to weaken and herniate.

Knowing the factors that cause a herniated disc is important to take preventive measures and reduce the risk of a herniated disc. Taking precautions such as using correct posture and movement techniques, avoiding overload, exercising regularly and not smoking can reduce the risk of a herniated disc.

Senile

Old age is a factor that increases the risk of herniated disc. During the aging process, the elasticity of the discs in the spine decreases, which increases the likelihood of a herniated disc. Discs are like pillows located between the spine and provide the flexibility of the spine. However, with age, the elasticity of the discs decreases and they wear out more easily.

This can cause the outer layer of the discs to weaken and the nucleus pulposus, a gel-like substance inside, to protrude. A weak spot in the outer layer of the disc is called a herniated disc. As the elasticity of the discs decreases with age, these weak points become more noticeable and the possibility of herniation increases.

Therefore, the risk of herniated disc increases with age. However, old age is not the only factor that causes a herniated disc. Other factors may also affect the risk of a herniated disc. Therefore, it is important for elderly individuals to be more careful about herniated discs and to take care of their spine health.

Genetic predisposition

Some people may be genetically predisposed to herniated discs. The risk may be higher in people with a family history of herniated disc.

Overload

Overload is a risk factor that can lead to a herniated disc. Lifting especially heavy items, bending over incorrectly, or constantly overloading can cause strain and damage to the discs in the spine.

Many people may have to lift heavy objects in daily life. However, doing these tasks without using the right techniques or overloading may increase the risk of a herniated disc. Movements that put excessive stress on the lumbar region, in particular, can lead to compression of the discs in the spine and herniation.

Additionally, bending over incorrectly can also cause a herniated disc. For example, trying to lift a heavy object without properly supporting or bending your lower back strains the discs in your spine and can lead to a herniation.

Constant overload can also increase the risk of a herniated disc. Especially people who work in professions that constantly put excessive stress on the lumbar region may be exposed to excessive strain on the discs in the spine and may develop a herniated disc.

Overload is an important factor that increases the risk of herniated disc. Therefore, it is important to use correct techniques before lifting heavy objects and avoid activities that put excessive stress on the waist area. If you are experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc or think you are at risk, it is important to consult a specialist and learn appropriate treatment methods.

Accident or Injuries

Trauma to the spine as a result of accidents or injuries can cause a herniated disc. These traumas usually occur as a result of a sudden and severe impact. For example, situations such as car accidents, falls, and sports injuries can strain the spine and damage the discs.

In cases where the spine is subjected to trauma, the gel-like substance inside the discs can become compressed or protrude. This causes a herniated disc. A herniated disc that occurs as a result of trauma can put pressure on surrounding tissues and cause symptoms such as pain, numbness and weakness.

Treatment of accidents or injuries that cause a herniated disc is generally the same as the treatment of a herniated disc. First, medication may be administered to reduce the patient’s level of pain and discomfort. Physical therapy exercises and therapies may also be used to support spinal healing.

However, in some cases, a herniated disc caused by an accident or injury can be very serious and other treatment methods may not be effective. In these cases, surgical intervention may be considered. With surgery, the herniated disc can be removed or corrected, thus reducing the symptoms associated with the herniated disc and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Disc Herniation Treatment

Treatment for a herniated disc may vary depending on the patient’s symptoms and the severity of the hernia. Treatment methods generally focus on relieving symptoms, reducing pain, and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Medication is a frequently used method to relieve herniated disc symptoms. Painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce pain and control inflammation. However, medication only temporarily relieves symptoms and does not treat the cause of the herniated disc.

Physical therapy is another method that can be effective in the treatment of a herniated disc. Physical therapy exercises and therapies can be used to strengthen the lower back, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. Physical therapy may also include techniques such as posture correction, posture training, and spinal stabilization. This treatment method can help the patient return to activities of daily living.

Surgery is an option that can be considered when other treatment methods are not effective. A herniated disc can be removed or corrected through surgery. Surgery is often used as a last resort and patients are advised to try other treatment methods to relieve their symptoms. The postoperative rehabilitation process is important and physical therapy and exercises may be recommended to support the patient’s postoperative recovery process.

Other methods used to treat a herniated disc may include epidural steroid injections, acupuncture, massage therapy and alternative medicine methods. However, scientific evidence on the effectiveness of these methods is limited and may vary from patient to patient.

Treatment options may vary depending on the patient’s symptoms, the severity of the hernia, and the patient’s lifestyle. Therefore, a person suffering from a herniated disc should consult a specialist and determine the most appropriate treatment option.

Medication

Various medications and treatment methods can be used to relieve the symptoms of a herniated disc. These medications are used to reduce pain, control inflammation, and relieve muscle spasms. Drug treatment is applied to improve the quality of life of people with a herniated disc and to enable them to continue their daily activities.

The medications used in the treatment of herniated disc are generally painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Painkillers are used to relieve lower back pain, while muscle relaxants reduce muscle spasms and provide relief. Anti-inflammatory drugs control pain and swelling by reducing inflammation.

Drug treatment should be used in individually determined doses and durations. It is important to use medications regularly as recommended by your doctor. Additionally, medication alone may not be enough. More effective results can be achieved when applied together with treatment methods such as physical therapy exercises, massage and acupuncture.

The medications and treatment methods used to relieve herniated disc symptoms may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and have regular check-ups during the treatment process. Along with drug treatment, measures such as lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and paying attention to correct posture and movement techniques also play an important role in the treatment of herniated disc.

Physiotheraphy

Physical therapy is an effective method that plays an important role in the treatment of herniated disc. This treatment method is used to relieve herniated disc symptoms, reduce pain and increase mobility. Physical therapy consists of exercises and therapies.

Exercises have an important place in the treatment of herniated disc. Exercise programs specially designed by physiotherapists help strengthen waist and back muscles and increase flexibility. These exercises help people with a herniated disc reduce pain and perform their daily activities more comfortably.

In addition, therapies applied during physical therapy sessions can also be effective in the treatment of herniated disc. Therapies such as massage therapy, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation can be used to relieve pain, relieve muscle spasms, and promote tissue healing. These therapies help reduce the symptoms of a herniated disc and speed up the healing process.

Physical therapy is an important treatment option to improve the quality of life of people with a herniated disc. Exercises and therapies guided by an expert physiotherapist help control the symptoms of a herniated disc and regain healthy spinal function. However, since each individual’s situation is different, the physical therapy program must be tailored to the individual.

Operation

Surgery, which is considered as a last resort in the treatment of herniated disc, can be applied in cases where other treatment methods are not effective. With surgery, the herniated disc can be removed or corrected. This procedure is performed to relieve the patient’s back pain and regain mobility.

Before the surgery, the patient’s general health condition and symptoms related to the herniated disc are evaluated. The doctor explains the necessity and risks of the surgery to the patient in detail. Suitable candidates for surgery are generally patients with severe pain and limited mobility.

Lumbar disc herniation surgery is usually performed using microsurgical or endoscopic methods. These techniques require smaller incisions and speed up the healing process. During surgery, the herniated disc is removed or corrected. Then, a plate or screw can sometimes be placed to provide stability in the spine.

In the postoperative period, the patient may need to rest for a certain period of time and avoid physical activities. At the same time, it is important to regularly do the exercises recommended by the doctor to strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility. Post-operative checks are made regularly and the healing process is monitored.

Surgery is an effective option to relieve herniated disc symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. However, since each patient’s condition is different, the decision for surgery should be made by the doctor. It is important to talk to your doctor in detail about the risks and benefits of surgery.