Herniated disc can be cured with surgery to correct the affected intervertebral disc or, in some cases, milder impairment, the alteration can be solved with intense physical therapy techniques, with postural reeducation and osteopathy, for example.
These techniques help to reposition the disc in the correct place of the vertebrae, through traction, manipulation and stretching, capable of reducing the symptoms caused by the compression of the spinal nerves.
However, most cases of herniated disc do not require this type of healing treatment, as the symptoms of this disease can be controlled with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and physiotherapy. Understand how the hernia repair is done.
How is the surgery done
Surgery for herniated discs is usually indicated for very severe cases, where the intervertebral disc is very large, to the point of treatment, with the use of medications and other techniques, not to be efficient.
It is done by the orthopedist or neurosurgeon, under general anesthesia, in a procedure that removes the affected intervertebral disc. This procedure can also be done by video, in which a thin tube is inserted into the skin with a camera on the tip.
Length of hospital stay is quick, usually 1 to 2 days, but it is necessary to rest for about 1 week at home, and it may be advisable to wear a collar or vest to maintain posture during this period. The most intense activities, such as physical exercises, are released after 1 month of surgery.
Physical therapy should be maintained during recovery to help improve movement and maintain good posture. Learn easy exercises to do at home to improve posture, and avoid pain.
Watch the following video and learn the tips to improve the symptoms caused by herniated disc:
How is physiotherapy done?
Physical therapy for herniated disc varies according to the symptoms and limitations presented by the patient.
Initially, local pain, inflammation and discomfort must be treated, and several passive physiotherapy sessions may be necessary to achieve this goal with the aid of appliances and the taking of anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the physician.
When these symptoms are eliminated, the patient can perform another type of more intense physical therapy and also associate osteopathy sessions and techniques of global postural reeducation (RPG), pilates and hydrotherapy as a way to keep the intervertebral disc in place, which has shown good results in reducing symptoms.
Physiotherapy sessions should be held, preferably 5 days a week, with rest at weekends. The total time of treatment varies from one individual to another because, while some achieve symptom relief at 1 month of treatment, others require more sessions.
