If Hernia Is Not Treated Timely, It Can Be Permanent

Pointing out that there is no need for surgery in every lumbar hernia, Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist from Medical Park Tarsus Hospital, Dr. Abdullah Karakoç said, “However, if symptoms such as severe muscle strength loss, numbness in the genital region and breech region, urinary incontinence or inability to pass urine, and stool incontinence are observed in some patients, it is of great benefit to undergo emergency surgery. If they are not operated on time, these symptoms may unfortunately be permanent.

Lumbar hernia; Stating that it is defined as the rupture of the connective tissue between the vertebrae in the bony structure in the lumbar region, overflowing into the spinal canal and compression of the nerves, Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist from Medical Park Tarsus Hospital. Abdullah Karakoç said that this situation usually causes severe low back pain and pain that can spread to the legs.

Among the most common causes of lumbar hernia, loss of flexibility of the disc tissue as a result of aging, excessive weight, sudden tension from lifting heavy loads, trauma (falling from a height, traffic accident, etc.), inactivity (due to weakening of the waist and abdominal muscles), genetic diseases ( Pointing out that some familial connective tissue diseases) and smoking, Uzm. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç made important warnings.

ATTENTION TO NON-RELIABLE PAIN AND NUMBING IN THE LEG OR FEET

Emphasizing that there are 5 discs in the lumbar region, different complaints may be seen in patients depending on the level of herniation and which nerve root it presses. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç, "Low pain that increases with movement and does not go away when resting or does not go away despite taking painkillers, muscle spasm (cramp), pain in the front of the legs, back or feet, numbness, loss of strength, difficulty in movement, impotence. If complaints such as tiring quickly, urinary incontinence, sometimes difficulty in urination, numbness, tingling and numbness in the genital or rectal region are observed, a physician should be consulted.

5 DIFFERENT IMAGING TECHNIQUES CAN BE USED IN DIAGNOSIS

Underlining that the diagnosis of lumbar hernia can be made easily after the patient's examination and tests are done, Uzm. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç said that imaging methods such as X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Myelogram, Computed tomography scan (CT, CT or CAT), scanning and Electromyography (EMG) are used for diagnosis.

SURGERY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR EVERY HERNIA

Stating that every lumbar hernia patient does not need surgery, Uzm. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç said, "Some hernia patients definitely need surgery, so there is no disease, there are patients." exp. Dr. Karakoç underlined that the treatment methods in lumbar hernia can be grouped under two headings as surgical and non-surgical methods.

GOLD STANDARD LUMBAR DISCECTOMY IN SURGICAL TREATMENT

Stating that the gold standard treatment method in surgery is lumbar discectomy (lumbar microsurgery) using a microscope, Uzm. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç said, “The microsurgery method can be applied to all patients. Another surgical treatment method is endoscopic discectomy, but it is not a suitable method for every patient. In other words, while microsurgery is a method that can be applied to all patients with lumbar hernia, endocospic discectomy may not be suitable for every patient.

exp. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç noted that the non-surgical treatment methods are rest, the use of painkillers and physical therapy applications.

WHEN SHOULD THE SURGERY BE ORGANIZED?

exp. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç answered the question of when to have surgery as follows:

“In rare cases, in some patients with symptoms such as severe muscle strength loss, numbness in the genital area and breech region, urinary incontinence or inability to pass urine, emergency surgery is of great benefit. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be permanent if surgery is not performed. If the patient's complaints that affect the quality of daily life and cause loss of work force continue and increase despite non-surgical treatment methods, if there is a newly developed loss of muscle strength or an increase in muscle power loss, an increase in the complaint of numbness in the legs, or complaints that require emergency surgery, surgery is recommended. ”

MICRO SURGERY TECHNIQUES PROVIDE COMFORT

Stating that, like all surgeries, lumbar hernia surgery is an attempt that has some risks in itself, Uzm. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç; He stated that complications such as infection, bleeding and nerve damage are among the problems that may be encountered after herniated disc surgery.

Underlining that lumbar hernia surgeries are performed more frequently thanks to the developing microsurgical techniques today, Uzm. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç, “Luminous hernia surgeries do not carry more risks than other surgeries. With the help of microsurgery techniques, the surgical field can be seen down to the smallest detail with the help of a microscope. This provides great comfort in herniated disc surgeries.

STAY AWAY FROM HIGH HEEL SHOES

• exp. Dr. Abdullah Karakoç gave the following advice on how to prevent a herniated disc:
• Use proper techniques when lifting weights.
• Have a healthy body weight.
• Develop a healthy body posture while walking, sitting, standing and sleeping.
• Do stretching exercises after prolonged sitting.
• Do not use high heels.
• Do regular physical activity to strengthen the muscles in your back and waist area.
• Quit tobacco use.
• Eat well.