Herniated Disc – Symptoms and Treatment

Herniated disc is one of the serious complications of spinal column problems. It can occur between any two vertebrae, at any age, regardless of gender.

Very often, herniated disc is confused with discopathy. What are the differences between herniated disc and discopathy, and what is exactly this widespread condition?

Discopathy is a disease of the intervertebral discs of the spinal column. Their role is to soften the pressure on the vertebrae and provide flexibility in the lower back and neck. These discs undergo significant stress and, over time, begin to wear out. They are getting thin, changing their shape, and shifting places. This condition is called discopathy and leads to pain, stiffness, and other neurological symptoms depending on the level of damage. In the degenerative process of wear and tear, the inner core of the discs, in some cases, starts pressing against their protective covering – the so-called fibrous ring. This results in a bulge of the ring, commonly referred to as "protrusion." With significant stress, the site of protrusion may tear, and the liquid gelatinous core of the disc exits into the spinal canal – leading to a herniated disc.

The highest incidence of this condition occurs between the ages of 20 and 50. People engaged in heavy physical labor are more susceptible to it. There are other predisposing factors, such as pre-existing pathological changes - discopathy, osteochondrosis, spinal deformities. Excess weight often leads to the development of a herniated disc, as the intervertebral discs are subjected to greater pressure. Prolonged daily adoption of an uncomfortable posture, immobility, and low physical activity often provoke the appearance of a herniated disc. The reason is the weakening of the muscles that otherwise provide support to the spinal column. Other contributing factors include intense sports or improper exercise, monotonous diet, injuries, falls, sudden movements, or abrupt overloads.

There are three main types of herniated discs, distinguished by the location of the herniated disc: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. The main symptoms vary depending on which intervertebral disc is affected and the corresponding nerve.

The most prominent symptom in people with herniated discs is pain. It is often intense, piercing, restricting movement, but it can also be dull and constant. It radiates to the location of the herniated disc but also spreads along the course of the compressed nerve. It often descends into the legs and arms. Along with pain, other symptoms include numbness, tingling, prickling, burning, or coldness, loss of sensitivity, spreading along the course of the nerve or adjacent tissues. There is a loss of muscle strength, stiffness, and disturbances in the urinary system may occur.

If left untreated and without a change in lifestyle, more severe symptoms manifest as the disease progresses.

The treatment of this increasingly prevalent condition depends on the stage and specific manifestations at the moment. If the development is identified at the protrusion stage – i.e. a pre-herniated state, complications can be completely prevented with adequate treatment.

There are two main methods of treatment - conservative and operative. With timely intervention and the right approach, surgical interventions can be avoided.

Usually, conservative treatment begins with a wide range of different medications aimed to relieve the pain and reverse the symptoms. This is where the extremely favorable impact of balneotherapy on the condition should be noted.

Sevtopolis Medical & SPA Hotel has established traditions and expertise in treating herniated discs. The correct combination of physiotherapy, careful hydrokinetic therapy, the use of preformed physical factors in a water environment, as well as the beneficial effect of the mineral water itself, has helped hundreds of people to forget about their pain and regain their normal way and quality of life.