Treatment of intervertebral hernia in a sanatorium

Our spine consists of 33 bones – vertebrae – forming a chain from the pelvis to the base of the skull. Together, they form a central, relatively rigid axis of the body that supports the head and trunk, protects the spinal cord, serves as an attachment point for ribs, ligaments, muscles, and also provides support for the upper and lower limbs.

Intervertebral Joints

The vertebrae are connected by numerous ligaments, two pairs of regular joints (posterior and anterior), and uniquely structured intervertebral discs.

Facet Joints

Pairs of articular processes located on either side of the spinal cord form the intervertebral (facet) joints. These joints belong to the flat type, as their smooth cartilage-covered surfaces allow sliding in various directions. The joints contain synovial fluid and are surrounded by a strong capsule made of fibrous connective tissue. Due to constant movement, these joints often rub against each other, which is why arthritis (arthrosis) frequently develops here.

Intervertebral Discs

These are thick, broad cushions made of fibrocartilage filled inside with a viscous substance known as the nucleus pulposus. They are firmly attached to the vertebrae and separate them. Discs serve not only as movable connections but also as shock-absorbing pads that allow the spine to flex, compress, and stretch resiliently. Over time, daily pressure increases on them, and they gradually "dry out" slightly, causing the spine to shorten and become less mobile with age. A disc can develop a protrusion (herniation), which threatens compression or pinching of the spinal cord.

Spinal Cord

Most vertebrae have a similar structure: a solid body at the front and an arch at the back, together forming the vertebral foramen (opening). When all the vertebrae are joined together, these openings form a longitudinal spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes. From it, 31 pairs of anterior and posterior nerve roots emerge, combining into paired spinal nerves.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a pathological condition in which parts of the damaged nucleus pulposus penetrate through ruptures in the fibrous ring into the spinal canal or into the vertebral body via endplates.

Causes of Herniated Discs

A herniated disc results from excessive stress on the intervertebral disc. It most commonly occurs after several awkward movements during body rotation or lifting heavy objects. Risk factors include professions requiring prolonged sitting or frequent lifting and carrying of heavy loads, metabolic disorders, smoking, and participation in power sports.

Symptoms

If the jelly-like substance (nucleus fragments) of a disc is squeezed into the spinal canal in the lumbar region, it may compress the spinal cord, potentially leading to loss of control over bowel and bladder function, reduced sensitivity in the anal area, or sharp pains radiating down the legs.

Diagnosis

In most cases, patient complaints combined with instrumental examination methods (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI) are sufficient for diagnosis. The clinical picture often allows even the localization of the hernia to be determined.

Complications of Herniated Discs

Complications depend on the location of the hernia:

• Lumbar herniation may cause:
  • Lumbago – dull pain developing gradually, usually after physical exertion or cold exposure;
  • Lumboischialgia – pain in the lower back radiating to the leg;
  • Cauda equina syndrome – severe pain, complete limitation of movement, requiring urgent medical attention.
• Thoracic herniation may result in:
  • Thoracalgia – chest pain;
  • Intercostal neuralgia – severe pain along the intercostal spaces, sometimes radiating to the heart area.
• Cervical herniation may cause:
  • Cervicalgia – pain and discomfort in the neck;
  • Headaches and limited mobility in the cervical joints.

Treatment of Herniated Discs:

• Radon baths, dry carbonic acid baths.
• Heat therapy using galvanogly mud and paraffin-ozokerite applications.
• Electrophoresis with CARIPAIN Plus.
• Ultrasound with CARIPAIN cream, topical application of CARIPAIN gel.
• Computerized traction of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine sections, followed by fixation with a belt and Schanz collar.
• Intratissue electrostimulation according to Gerasimov’s method in complex cases of nerve damage and pain syndrome.
• CO₂ gas injections.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Amplipulse therapy.
• Diadynamic therapy.
• Interferential current therapy.
• Light therapy using magnet-infrared laser, "Bioptron", Korobov's photonic polychromatic matrix.
• Manual or vacuum massage.
• Manual therapy (post-isometric relaxation).
• Therapeutic exercise in traction-training mode. Strengthening of the back extensor muscles.
• Exercises with an instructor on the Yevminov trainer.
• Use of Heel pharmaceuticals – Zeel T, Traumeel S, Discus Compositum, Ubichinon, Lymphomyosot.
• Blockades with Mydocalm for myofascial syndromes and piriformis muscle syndrome.
• Anti-osteoporotic therapy if necessary.
• Chondroprotective therapy.