The most common treatment starts with conservative methods and, if using them can not cope with the symptoms, becoming more aggressive.

Selection method of treating a herniated disc depends on several factors, including:

• Symptoms, which the patient complains
• Age of the patient
• The level of physical activity of the patient
• A significant worsening of symptoms over time
• As a rule, after the diagnosis of a herniated disc following measures are recommended:
• Rest and change of activity

Patients are advised to rest more often, especially in very severe pain, and avoid activity that leads to a worsening of symptoms. Often this is enough to have a few days the symptoms of herniated discs have become less pronounced, and in a few months - just gone.

Hot and cold compresses

Painful symptoms of a herniated disc can be alleviated with the help of hot and cold compresses. Exposure to low and high temperatures relaxes back muscles, relieves muscle spasms and thus eliminates the pain.

Physical therapy

Physiotherapy, as well as the above methods of treatment, has no direct impact on the affected herniated disc, but it helps to stabilize the lumbar muscles. In this way you can gradually reduce the burden that falls on the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. In addition, strong muscles allow better control of the lumbar spine, and reduce the risk of damage to the spinal nerves and disks.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Most often to relieve symptoms of a herniated disc are written NSAIDs. Removing inflammation, these drugs a little easier to pressure on the spinal nerve roots.

Oral steroids

Oral steroids can be very helpful during episodes of acute herniated Intervertebral hernia - when the body fails . The most commonly used drugs such as prednisolone and Medrol. They reduce inflammation at sites around the compressed nerves and thus relieve the symptoms.

Other medications

Among the other drugs used in the treatment of herniated discs - narcotic painkillers and muscle relaxants. The first of them is used for the short-term relief of severe pain. Unfortunately, they can cause drowsiness and a relatively long-term use - dependence. It is important to use them only for a short period of time.

Muscle relaxants help to relieve spasms of the back muscles, which are often observed in herniated discs. Often the muscle spasms that cause the patient to more severe torment than pain with pressure on the spinal nerve roots.

Epidural steroid injections

When using this method of treatment of cortisone injections do right in the area where the nerve is squeezed. As with the use of oral anti-inflammatory drugs, the aim of this treatment - symptomatic relief by reducing the pressure on the spinal nerve roots.

Surgical treatments

If the above treatments do not seem to have much effect, may need surgery. After some injuries caused by a herniated disc Herniated Disc - when to sound the alarm? It can also be scheduled for surgery. Symptoms such as pain and sensory abnormalities usually do not require immediate attention, but patients suffering from highly severe weakness, as well as those who have symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and quickly progressing other issues, it is necessary to do the operation as soon as possible.

• During surgery, the intervertebral discs affected by hernia removed, thus eliminating the pressure on the nerves.
• The operation may be carried out in several ways, depending on the degree of damage to the intervertebral disc.

Lumbago is defined as weak or strong pain or discomfort in the lower back. The pain can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic - if it lasts more than three months. Lumbago often occurs in young people because of the physical effort. Also back pain is common in the elderly.

What causes lumbago?

In most cases the exact cause of back pain is difficult. Only 25% of cases the cause is determined. Patients often suffer from a herniated disc, osteoporosis Osteoporosis - he threatens you? , Scoliosis (curvature of the spine), or, more rarely, bone damage due to a tumor or infection.

What are the symptoms of lumbago?

Pain in the lower back, which is sometimes given in the buttocks, thighs, or back in the groin. Usually the pain increases with movement.

• The limited mobility of the spine - especially when bending forward or backward.
• Spasm of the muscles around the spine.
• Because of the severe pain and spasm to change posture.
• Sometimes the pain is accompanied by tingling or numbness in the back, buttocks or legs.

What are the symptoms of the most dangerous?

If you discover that in addition to the pain you feel numbness in the legs and back, or lose bladder control Urinary bladder - structure and function   or intestines, immediately call "ambulance."

If you suffer from back pain and weakness, or notice a decrease in muscle mass of one or both legs, contact your doctor. This may indicate spinal cord compression, prompt treatment is necessary to avoid serious consequences.

How to deal with back pain at home?

Acute back pain

Take pain relievers (non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs). Sometimes the doctor may prescribe medications to relax the muscles.

• Physical exercise is good for your back. Try not to reduce the level of activity.
• It will heat or swimming in the warm pool.
• Sleep and rest, lying on a hard, flat surface.
• Avoid leaning, lifting, do not sit on low seats.

Remember that pain is not usually a sign of a serious disease, and held for a few days.

Chronic back pain

• If you frequently suffer from back pain, consult your physician. He may refer you to a physical therapist or a chiropractor to help ease the symptoms.
• From back pain to help Special complexes of exercises - you can recommend their therapist.
• There is no evidence of the effectiveness of antidepressants, stretching, or injections into the joint surface.

As a physician makes the diagnosis?

In most cases, a doctor for diagnosis rather the patient's complaints.

Manual therapist will examine the patient and check out how to move the joints in the back, pelvis and thighs, check for a pinched nerve.

That is, a variety of additional studies, such as X-rays, scans or blood tests to determine the cause of the pain, are rarely needed.

How to treat lumbago?

Acute back pain

• Will: NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Physical activity.
• Probably help: other painkillers, manual therapy Chiropractic: the main thing - to choose the competent expert .
• It is necessary to weigh: muscle relaxants.
• Efficacy has not been proven: colchicine, antidepressants, epidural steroid injections, injections into the surface of the joint, behavioral therapy, electromyography, special exercises, corsets lumbar support, electromyostimulator.
• Ineffective or harmful: bed rest, traction.

Chronic back pain

• Help: Exercises for the back.
• Probably help: painkillers, injections into trigger points and ligaments, special classes, massage therapy, behavioral therapy.
• Efficacy has not been proven: colchicine, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, epidural injections, steroid injections, acupuncture, electromyostimulator, corsets lumbar support, physical activity.
• Rather than help: bed rest, electromyography.
• Ineffective or harmful: injection into the surface of the joint, stretching.

Forecast

Generally good, the patient can continue an active lifestyle with proper and adequate treatment.

It is known that the risk of back pain increases the weakness of the muscles of the back and belly, so we recommend moderate exercise Myths about exercise: do not believe   for this field.