Herniated disc (discus prolapse, disc hernia, disc prolapse) is a disease of the spine.
Due to tissue fatigue of the fibrous ring, part of the disc contents leaks into the spinal canal and presses on the spinal cord or a nerve root. Injury: If the herniated disc occurs in the area of the lumbar spine and presses on nerves that leave the spinal cord there, severe back pain sets in. They occur suddenly, for example, when the affected person lifts something or bends forward.
Therapy: It is composed of two basic pillars:
Relieving pain and normalizing back muscles.
It is now considered outdated that the disc sufferer must not move or even stay in bed. This is only appropriate in rare cases.
Instead, the patient usually starts physiotherapy immediately. One can also combine the conventional medical measures with alternative therapy methods; among the best known are osteopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
Four typical main factors are usually considered as the cause of pain:
1. The tissue of the herniated disc presses mechanically on a lateral nerve branch or on the spinal cord.
2. A space-occupying, inflammatory swelling develops around the injured tissue.
3. A spasmodic, painful muscular hard tissue forms around the herniated disc.
4. Chronic tension points (trigger points) are activated in the tense muscles, which radiate painfully.
Recovery: Through conservative therapy, almost 90% of all herniated discs and complaints come to recovery. The "Reha" = rehabilitation includes, among other things, physiotherapy and back strengthening exercises. Qi Gong and Tai Chi are also suitable forms of exercise to improve balance, statics and mobility and to counteract complaints.
A herniated disc regresses in many cases within six to twelve months; the pain usually levels off continuously within two to three months.
Remedies: The diagnosis of a herniated disc is made by a physician.
- The usual immediate orthodox medical measures are often painkilling injections and the prescription of analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs (see the article on painkillers),
as well as the prescription of a support corset or belt.
Therapeutic aids and tools for self-treatment are often:
- TENS- devices (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).
- Kinesio Tapes
- Therapy balls, trigger ball and fascia rolls
- Magnetic field mats
- BEMER devices (physical vascular therapy)
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