Intervertebral disk herniation
Intervertebral disc herniation is a complex and often dangerous disease of the musculoskeletal system, which occurs in 100 cases out of 100 thousand people.
A herniated disc is caused by a cracking of the multilayered fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, when the nucleus pulposus is displaced towards the rupture. The beginning of this process is called protrusion. Then, when all the fibers of the fibrous ring rupture, a condition called an intervertebral hernia occurs. The spinal cord is compressed, the patient feels pain, and the functioning of the internal organs is disrupted.
Reasons for the appearance of hernias
It is known that the vertebral disc is a shock absorber that helps reduce stress on the spine. Along with it, it does not have blood vessels through which it would receive nutrients from the outside. This role is performed by diffusion, or a pressure difference that occurs during movement. That is, on the one hand, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise, on the other – excessive loads (lifting weights) can lead to a herniated disc.
Types of hernias
The most common localizations of hernias are:
- Hernia in the lumbosacral area.With this type of hernia, numbness and tingling are felt in the area of the damaged disc, painful sensations appear in the hips, buttocks and knees. Sometimes the patient feels pain on the back of the leg, in the shin, foot. Problems with urination and potency may be observed.
- With a hernia in the cervical area, dizziness appears, pain in the neck and head of varying nature and intensity is felt. This is pain that radiates to the shoulder and arm. The patient may feel numbness in the upper limbs, often fingers.
If you think that you may have a herniated disc, you must consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid possible consequences.
Diagnostics
- Contact a neurologist who will prescribe additional examinations;
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study helps to confirm the localization and determine damage to nerves or other structures. It is mandatory at the diagnostic stage;
- Computer tomography CT, in turn, shows the condition of the bones better than MRI;
Hernia Treatment in Turkey
Thanks to modern methods and equipment of medical centers in Turkey with modern equipment, the patient can be cured both at the initial stages of the disease and in more complex cases. According to our practice, in 76% of cases it is possible to get by with non-surgical methods of treatment.
In Turkey, special neurosurgical centers are ready to select individual treatment for each patient.
In Turkey, intervertebral disc herniation is treated with the following methods:
- Drug therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Non-surgical methods;
- Minimally invasive surgeries;
Medication
Drug therapy (pain management) is used to eliminate the inflammatory process. It can relieve swelling of the spinal structures. Anti-inflammatory blockades or other types of anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous therapy are usually used. This type of therapy is often professionally combined with physiotherapy to achieve the desired effect.
Physiotherapy
Modern technologies allow non-surgical methods in 76% of cases to conduct full rehabilitation of the patient without surgical intervention.
Combination
- myofascial massage;
- drug therapy;
- kinesitherapy, as well as
- spinal decompression systems, which help patients from other countries to be in the 76% of those who effectively undergo rehabilitation and can forget about the pain caused by intervertebral hernia.
Vertetrac is currently the most effective method among physiotherapy methods used to eliminate pain caused by intervertebral hernia of the cervical and lumbar spine. Thanks to vertical traction, the device moves the vertebrae apart, reducing the pressure between them and eliminating pain. Unlike other methods of horizontal tension, the patient can walk and is not bedridden.
Non-surgical methods
- Cold plasma nucloplasty is a modern high-tech method of treatment. During the procedure, part of the tissue structures evaporate in order to remove their protrusion. That is, decompression occurs, which causes muscle pain.
The doctor inserts an electrode into the damaged area of the spine, the contacts of which produce cold plasma energy. It affects the intervertebral disc, reducing the size of the tissue structures. That is, the plasma evaporates part of the nucleus pulposus, which is squeezed out by the vertebrae and tends to break through the disc. Decompression occurs, and there is no more pressure on the spinal cord.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient can walk after 2-3 hours. - Intradiscal electrothermal therapy IDET. Within the framework of this procedure, an electrothermal catheter heats the intervertebral disc to a temperature of 80-90 for 3-6 minutes. Under the influence of temperature, the intervertebral disc contracts, its structure is compacted, and small nerve endings are destroyed. The result is similar to the previous method.
- A similar effect is achieved using the method of intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty, also common in leading medical centers in Turkey.
Which method to use, will it bring the expected result? – only a doctor can tell you all this. In case minimally invasive methods are not indicated for you, when the patient is referred for surgery.
Hernia removal surgery
Discectomy is a surgery in which the affected disc or part of it is removed. Nowadays, this type of surgery is performed using a minimally invasive method with the help of incisions. An expander – a tube – is inserted through a puncture in the area of the damaged disc. Then instruments are inserted into it, with the help of which the spinal canal is opened and the hernia is removed. It is controlled and performed thanks to modern surgical robots, which are controlled by the surgeon performing the manipulations. The disc that was removed is replaced with an implant or material that stimulates bone growth. As a result, the vertebrae grow together.
Depending on the access and the scope of work, there are 3 types of discectomy:
- Classical discectomy. An incision up to 10 cm, the duration of the operation up to 2 hours.
- Microdiscectomy. Using a surgical microscope. The incision is 3 cm, and the operation lasts up to 1.5 hours
- Endoscopic microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive removal performed under local anesthesia, the incision is up to 2 cm, the operation lasts up to about 30 minutes.
The effectiveness of discectomy, according to various sources, is 90-96%. Automation of surgical intervention methods eliminates the possibility of medical error.
Discectomy can be combined with other surgical intervention methods:
Spondylodesis. Two adjacent vertebrae are connected, and the intervertebral disc is removed. A side effect is some limitation of spinal motion.
Laminectomy. Part of the bone tissue, bone spurs or ligaments is removed. This means that the pressure is relieved.
Foraminotomy. Bone tissue is excised on the sides of the vertebrae in order to expand the space where the nerve roots exit the spine. This reduces the pressure and relieves pain.
How long does the operation take?
A discectomy lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours. It all depends on the method of access to the discs that the surgeon has chosen. After the operation, the patient can walk after 5-6 hours. Usually, hospitalization lasts up to 3 days according to indications.
Intervertebral disc herniation. Treatment prices
Turkey has a modern technological base and accumulated experience, thanks to which it is possible to treat intervertebral disc herniation at any stage. If you are concerned about this problem, you can always get a free consultation with a specialist at the clinic of your choice.
The prices for various methods of treating intervertebral disc herniation vary depending on the clinic, doctor and your individual case. Along with a free consultation on the proposed treatment method, doctors also indicate the cost of the chosen path.
Approximate prices
In-person consultation with a neurosurgeon – from $120
MRI of one section – from $370;
Discectomy – from $5000-17000
Laboratory tests from $500
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