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BACK PAIN AS A CONSTANT COMPANION

Only the correct diagnosis leads to the
successful treatment.

BACK PAIN AS A CONSTANT COMPANION

Herniated disc – symptoms and treatment

Spine specialists are sounding the alarm: We sit at our desks in front of the computer for too long and don't move enough. The result: Back pain is becoming increasingly common.

In most cases, however, there is no serious damage, but only harmless muscle tension. This pain can be easily relieved and disappears again quite quickly.

However, if the pulling, pressing or stabbing sensation in the spine persists for a longer period, or if numbness or paralysis occurs, it may be a case of a herniated disc, which must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

Several factors contribute to a herniated disc. Prolonged sitting, incorrect posture, or lifting heavy objects in the wrong position can lead to excessive pressure on the intervertebral discs, causing the fibrous ring that protects them to tear. This allows the disc tissue to protrude and press on the surrounding, sensitive nerve roots, causing the pain.

A second possibility is wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, also usually caused by heavy strain, but also by aging processes. In this case, the discs lose their important shock-absorbing function. The discs act like cushions between the vertebrae, providing buffers and protection. If these protective cushions become increasingly thin due to incorrect or excessive strain, the vertebrae rub against each other more and more with every movement.

After a thorough examination, including neurological tests and CT or MRI scans, the doctor can determine which nerves are compressed and whether a herniated disc is present. Fortunately, modern methods now make it possible to effectively help almost all patients with disc problems. If conservative treatment with physiotherapy, pain medication, and injections is ineffective, minimally invasive techniques such as laser therapy or spinal catheterization are used for a herniated disc. Surgery can be avoided in most cases and is only considered in particularly severe cases.

If, as described above, the problem is a degeneration of the intervertebral discs, therapy with hydrogel implants is often recommended. These are injected directly into the affected discs without surgery. The implants then absorb water and thus support the function of the disc. They realign the disc, and the persistent pain disappears.