Emphasizing that 10% of patients with lumbar hernia may require surgical intervention, Medical Park Çanakkale Hospital Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger said, “In occupational groups that carry heavy loads and require sitting for a long time, herniated disc affects the working life negatively. Today, it is possible to be discharged on the same day with the Microdiscectomy method in cases that do not heal with medical treatment.
Stating that herniated disc is caused by the rupture of the disc between the vertebrae in that region, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger said that this condition can be seen at every level of the spine, but the most affected parts are the parts called L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments.
SEEN VERY FREQUENTLY
Underlining that low back pain is a very common condition in societies and that approximately 60-80 percent of people suffer from low back pain, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger said, “35 percent of people experience sciatic pain at least once in their lifetime. Surgical intervention may be required in 10% of patients with lumbar hernia. Therefore, low back pain and herniated disc are a big problem for the society.
CAUSES PAIN THAT DRIVES TO THE LEGS
Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger, “Depending on the level of discomfort, there are numbness, pain and weakness in the legs and feet. Pain increases with movement. In advanced cases, with the development of what we call 'cauda equina syndrome', urinary and fecal incontinence and sexual dysfunctions can be seen.
OBESITY INCREASES THE RISK OF lumbar hernia
Emphasizing that the risk of herniated disc in obese people is higher than in people with normal body weight, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger said, “Unfortunately, the treatment process in obese patients is more difficult than in non-obese patients. In addition, due to the increased pressure on the lumbar vertebrae due to the effect of excess weight gained during pregnancy, it is possible to develop lumbar hernia in this period.
IT AFFECTS WORK LIFE NEGATIVELY
Mentioning that herniated disc affects working life negatively and patients may experience loss of workforce, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger shared the following information:
“The probability of this ailment is very high, especially in occupational groups that require load-bearing. For this reason, people belonging to these professions should act appropriately, especially when lifting loads. By using correct lifting techniques, damage to the discs between the vertebrae should be avoided. In jobs that require sitting for a long time, it is necessary to sit in a position appropriate to the nature of the job. In addition, doing stretching exercises after sitting for a long time is of great importance in terms of preventing herniated disc.
OBJECTIVE PAIN CONTROL IN MEDICAL TREATMENT
Providing information about the relief of pain caused by herniated disc, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger continued his words as follows:
“For patients who apply with the complaint of herniated disc, one of the medical or surgical treatment options can be preferred. The goal of medical treatment is to provide pain control. Pain resolves within six weeks with medical treatment and accompanying physical therapy. Epidural steroid injections may also be tried for pain. Severe and prolonged pain, neurological deficits and patient preferences may require surgery.”
GOLD STANDARD MICRODISCECTOMY IN SURGERY
Stating that positive results can be obtained with surgical treatment in lumbar hernia, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger shared the following information about lumbar microdiscectomy, one of the surgical treatment options:
“This method, which has been used for many years, is the surgical removal of the damaged part of a herniated disc pressing on the nerve root under the microscope. In recent years, neurosurgeons have gained great experience in this method. Satisfactory results have been achieved in 60-80 percent of patients after lumbar microdiscectomy. This method has been compared with many methods and is still considered the gold standard in treatment.”
YOU CAN BE DISCHARGED SAME DAY
Pointing out that the length of stay in the hospital and operating room is short after the lumbar microdiscectomy operation, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Özger said, “A patient who has undergone lumbar microdiscectomy can be discharged on the same day or the next day, depending on his post-operative condition. Lumbar microdiscectomy is still an effective and safe treatment option in suitable patients with lumbar hernia, due to clinically satisfactory results and low complication rates.
Be the first to comment