Column Symptoms and Treatments of Disc Herniation: When Early Detection is Key

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12.27.2024

Early symptoms of disc herniation

The main symptoms of lumbar disc herniation are usually pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs and numbness, but in the early stages of the disease, there may be no apparent symptoms at all, or the symptoms may not be obvious to the patient.

The following conditions are characteristic of a herniated disc:

Pain in the lower back or buttocks when bending forward

Tightness in the back of the thighs, making it difficult to bend forward

Pain in the lower back or buttocks when coughing or sneezing

Tendency to tilt upper body to one side or the other when sitting or standing

Numbness in the buttocks or outer thighs, with different sensations when touched on the left or right side

The initial symptoms of disc herniation, such as back pain and leg pain and numbness, will vary depending on the location of the nerve that is compressed by the herniation, and condition the location where the pain or numbness is felt.

How to diagnose a herniated disc

The diagnosis of a herniated disc involves a combination of looking at symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT. Among these, a medical examination and an MRI scan are considered essential to come up with a diagnosis of a herniated disc.

X-rays

X-rays are mainly used to check the condition of the bones. Since the intervertebral discs, which are cartilage, do not show up on an x-ray, it is impossible to diagnose a herniated disc with an x-ray alone. However, it is essential to confirm that there is no disease other than herniation that is susceptible of causing lower back pain.

MRI scan

An MRI scan is the most widely used examination in order to reach the diagnosis of a herniated disc; MRI images can confirm the presence or absence of deformity, pressure on or damage to nerves, and inflammation of the discs, nerves, ligaments, or joint areas related to the cause of the low back pain.

Examination during the medical examination

In addition to the imaging examination, a physical examination is performed during the consultation. By having the patient bend forward and backward while checking the occurrence or absence of symptoms, we can determine the presence of disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, or other conditions.

We also check for leg pain by lifting the patient’s leg, using the Straight Leg Raising test (SLR test) and the Femoral Nerve Stretching test (FNS test). If pain is observed when performing any of these two tests, it can be conclusively determined that lumbar disc herniation is present.

The various treatments for disc herniation

The treatments for lumbar disc herniation can be broadly divided into conservative therapy (medication, exercise therapy, etc.) and surgery.

Conservative Therapy

Once disc herniation has been diagnosed, the first step in most cases is conservative therapy.

Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics, and neuroleptics to reduce inflammation and pain. Stretching and other rehabilitative measures may also be used to improve back pain.

Nerve blocks may be used if the pain is severe or no improvement is seen with medication.

Surgery

Surgery for lumbar disc herniation may differ from one medical facility to another.

Although the surgical techniques may vary, endoscopic surgery is one technique that has become more common in recent years. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made in the lower back, and an external tube and an endoscope are inserted in order to check the herniated part before removing it.

If the herniation has become more advanced and there is also the presence of spinal canal stenosis or spinal instability, spinal fusion surgery may be performed, in which not only the herniated area but also the problematic disc itself is removed and replaced with an artificial one, in order to hold the vertebrae in place.

Improvements in lifestyle habits

To prevent disc herniation, it is also essential to improve one’s lifestyle habits.

Correcting one’s posture

Working at a desk for long hours or driving for long periods of time tends to cause the lower back and back to become arched. Such a posture in turn increases the strain put on the intervertebral discs and can lead to herniation.

Correcting one’s posture and regularly standing up and moving one’s body can significantly reduce the risk of disc herniation.

Exercising regularly

An adequate exercise routine is important in preventing disc herniation. Muscle training reduces the strain on the discs in the lower back and lowers the risk of developing a herniated disc. Walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, and Pilates are also different forms of muscle exercising, so make sure to exercise on a regular basis.

Managing one’s weight

An increase in body weight places extra strain on the lower back and causes the discs to degenerate. By watching your diet, exercising regularly, and managing your weight, you can reduce your risk of developing disc herniation.

Treatment at our clinic

Once disc herniation has been diagnosed, it is important not to leave it untreated, but to see a specialist for a diagnosis right away. Early detection and proper treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and even cure it completely.

Our clinic offers the Cellgel Method, a treatment that repairs damaged intervertebral discs.

With our cellgel Method, we inject a special drug that fills in the cracks in the intervertebral discs, which then turns into a gel that takes the place of the cracks, thus providing a fundamental cure. This method is characterized by the fact that the volume of the disc is not reduced and the drug remains in the disc as a gel-like implant after treatment, thus preserving the disc.