An intervertebral hernia is a pathology of the human musculoskeletal system. The pulposus nucleus shifts between two vertebrae, followed by a rupture of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc.
Main causes:
- Age-related changes in the intervertebral disc
- Spinal injuries
- The intervertebral disc loses its elasticity due to age-related changes. When ruptured, it can shift outward and thus exert pressure on the nerve roots. Often, the pain symptom is accompanied by weakness in the arm or leg. In some cases, an intervertebral hernia can be asymptomatic.
- Spinal injury can be associated with a sudden impact or strong pressure. These factors lead to increased intradiscal pressure, resulting in the pulposus nucleus exiting through cracks in the disc.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis of Intervertebral Hernia in Israel
The distinctive symptom of the disease is pain. Most often, pain occurs in the lumbar or sacral regions. In addition, headaches often arise; inflammation of the sciatic nerve may occur. In some cases, instead of numbness in the limbs, paresthesias may appear, and sometimes even paralysis.
Common diagnostic methods for intervertebral hernias include:
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- X-ray.
Using the latest equipment, the exact localization of the pathology and its severity are determined. Additional tests and consultations are mandatory. These include comprehensive blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, consultations with a spinal surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Treatment of Intervertebral Hernia in Israel
A progressive method of combating intervertebral hernia is treatment in Israel. There are 2 types of therapy, depending on the severity of the condition:
- Conservative
- Surgical.
The conservative treatment method involves eliminating only the pain symptom. This is effective only if the patient is troubled solely by pain. Effective methods in this type of treatment for intervertebral hernia in Israel include prescribing pain relievers in combination with anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and the Feldenkrais exercise system.
If there is no result after applying all the aforementioned measures, injections of anti-inflammatory medications are used. These injections are performed epidurally under the control of an X-ray machine. During this treatment, the patient must reduce physical activity to zero, but bed rest is not recommended.
The surgical method of treating intervertebral hernia in Israel is resorted to if previously conducted conservative therapy is ineffective. Pain that intensifies and becomes more frequent, combined with physiological problems such as weakness in the limbs or loss of control over the sphincter, are the most common reasons for changing the conservative treatment strategy to surgical intervention.
Often, minimally invasive methods are used in the surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia in Israel. After making a small incision in the back, access to the damaged disc is achieved. The goal of the operation is to locate the compressed root and subsequently remove it. This provides immediate relief of the nerve and the patient feels instant improvement in well-being.
There is also a gentle method of treating intervertebral hernia in Israel – minimally invasive discectomy. This involves removing the damaged disc and implanting a dynamic stabilizer into the created space. This device allows for the preservation of the volume of physiological movements of the spinal column.