Egepol Hospitals Orthopedics, Traumatology and Spine Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercan Hassa said that the herniated disc pain that radiates to the leg, which is common today, negatively affects the quality of life and causes loss of work power.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercan Hassa stated that this disorder, which is among the leading causes of excessive painkiller use, mostly affects office workers, those in heavy work sectors and many people with aging spine problems.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hassa, who stated that a significant portion of herniated discs radiating pain to the leg can be treated without surgery with the method called 'selective root block', which has been implemented in recent years, said, “In some patients with herniated discs, the pain is limited to the waist, while in others it can spread to the legs. Our lumbar vertebrae, which provide flexibility to our spine, receive their mobility from fluid-filled discs. However, these discs can deform and lose their properties over the years due to various reasons such as genetic factors, inappropriate sports activities and lifting heavy loads as the person ages. This causes back pain in some patients, while in others, these discs herniate, causing pain radiating to the leg by pressing on the nerves. With the 'selective root block' method, it is possible to relieve pain at high rates, especially in patients who do not have loss of strength in the leg.”
PAINLESS TREATMENT POSSIBILITY
Providing information about selective root block treatment, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercan Hassa said: “With the help of special needles used during the procedure, the relevant nerve root causing pain is reached through certain bone gaps in the lumbar region. The level of application is continuously confirmed with advanced imaging methods used at the same time. The root to be blocked becomes apparent thanks to the sterile opaque materials injected into the patient who is given light sedation. And in this short-term procedure performed by the specialist physician under operating room conditions, the necessary medical treatment is applied to the roots that are the focus of pain. Thanks to the combined medication consisting of local painkillers and local edema relievers, the patient feels significant relief after the application. The most satisfying results appear at the end of a week.”
THERE IS NO AGE LIMITATION FOR TREATMENT
Noting that the effect of selective nerve block treatment in young patients can be long-lasting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercan Hassa said, “With this treatment, the person may no longer need surgery. In older patients who cannot undergo surgery and are considering a non-surgical option, serious comfort is provided thanks to this treatment. Just like young patients, these people can perform their daily activities after treatment. However, unlike young patients, selective nerve block treatment can be recommended for the older age group for a second time within a year. It should not be forgotten that in some cases, it is not possible to solve a herniated disc without surgery. It should be remembered that surgeons experienced in the spine decide on the most appropriate treatment method to be followed in such patients.”
