Herniated Disc

What is Lumbar Hernia (Lumbal Disc Herniation)?

Luminal hernia is the protrusion of the disc contents into the surrounding tissues as a result of weakening or tearing of the outer part of the discs in the lower region of the spine. This condition occurs in the lower part of the spine and can put pressure on spinal nerves or nerve roots.

What Causes Herniated Back?

Herniated disc usually results from a combination of factors such as prolonged overload, repetitive movements, incorrect body mechanics, aging, and natural weakening of the discs. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition can also increase the risk of herniated disc.

What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Hernia

Symptoms of herniated disc may vary from individual to individual. However, common herniated disc symptoms include:

• Back pain
• Pain, numbness or tingling in the legs
• Weakness or decreased muscle control in the legs
• Change in reflexes

How is Hernia Diagnosed?

Physicians usually use the following methods for diagnosing herniated disc:

• Assess the patient's symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination
• Medical imaging methods (MRI, CT scan, X-ray)

How to Treat Herniated Back?

The treatment of hernia is determined depending on the patient's symptoms and signs, the severity of the hernia and other factors. Treatment options may include conservative methods, physical therapy and surgical intervention.

Conservative Treatment

It is usually the first preferred treatment method in mild and moderate cases of lumbar hernia. Conservative treatment methods may include:

• Rest: The process of resting without tiring the waist
• Painkillers: Relief of pain with medication prescribed by the doctor
• Physical therapy: Exercises and therapies to relieve herniated disc symptoms, strengthen muscles and increase flexibility
• Epidural injections: Reducing pain and inflammation by injecting steroid drugs near nerve roots

Surgical Intervention

In cases where a herniated disc causes severe or progressive symptoms, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options include procedures such as discectomy, microdiscectomy, laminotomy, and fusion. Surgery aims to reduce the pressure caused by the hernia and to heal the nerve tissue.

What are the Treatment Methods of Lumbar Hernia?

Things to Consider After Back Surgery

The recovery period after back surgery is important and patients may need to take certain precautions. Things to consider after surgery may be:

• Fully following the doctor's recommendations to adapt to the healing process
• Participating in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
• Avoid lifting heavy loads
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise and avoidance of harmful habits such as smoking

How Long Does Herniated Back Surgery Take?

The duration of hernia surgery may vary depending on the type, extent and surgical procedure of the hernia. Usually, herniated disc surgery takes between 1 and 2 hours. However, the time may be longer in the presence of complications or when a different surgical approach is required.

Is Surgery Necessary for Lumbar Hernia?

Surgical intervention is usually considered as a last resort in the treatment of lumbar hernia. If the symptoms can be controlled with conservative treatment methods and do not adversely affect the quality of life, surgery may not be necessary. However, if there is severe pain, progressive nerve damage or loss of strength due to herniated disc, surgical intervention may be required. This decision should be made by the specialist doctor based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging results.

Is There a Risk of Hernia Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, herniated disc surgery involves some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, spinal instability, and anesthesia-related complications. However, these risks can be minimized with modern surgical techniques and experienced surgeons. Before the surgery, your doctor will explain the potential risks of the surgery in detail and give you information about the advantages and disadvantages.

Which Department of the Hospital should make an appointment for the treatment of herniated disc?

For the treatment of herniated disc, it is usually necessary to make an appointment with the Department of Neurology, Orthopedics or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (FTR) in hospitals. These departments include doctors who specialize in herniated discs and spinal conditions. Which department is preferred may vary depending on the patient's symptoms, severity, and characteristics of the condition.

Neurology: Specialists dealing with the brain, nervous system and spine guide the diagnosis and treatment process by using neurological examinations and imaging techniques in the treatment of herniated disc. Orthopedics: Specialists dealing with musculoskeletal and spinal health are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of herniated disc. They work on treatment options such as physical examination, imaging modalities, and surgical interventions. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (FTR): Physical therapists focus on the conservative treatment of spinal conditions such as herniated disc. They work on the goals of physical examination, therapy and rehabilitation programs, pain management, and functional recovery.

A patient with a suspected herniated disc should make an appointment with Neurology, Orthopedics or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to consult a specialist who can evaluate their symptoms and condition. The specialist doctor will perform a detailed examination, request the necessary imaging methods and present the appropriate treatment options.

Which department should a patient who does not know that he has a herniated disc make an appointment for the first examination?

A patient with a suspected herniated disc should usually make an appointment for an examination from the Orthopedics or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (FTR) department. These departments include doctors who specialize in low back and spine health. A herniated disc is a condition that occurs in a disc in the lower spine and is therefore usually evaluated and treated by orthopedic specialists or physical medicine professionals.

Orthopedics: Orthopedists are doctors who deal with musculoskeletal and spinal health. They specialize in spinal conditions such as herniated discs and are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (FTR): Physical medicine specialists focus on the conservative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as herniated discs. They work on the goals of physical examination, therapy and rehabilitation programs, pain management, and functional recovery.

A patient with a suspected herniated disc should make an appointment with the Orthopedics or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department to consult a specialist who can evaluate their symptoms and condition. The specialist doctor will perform a detailed examination, request the necessary imaging methods and present the appropriate treatment options.