Lumbar herniated disc (Lumbar disc herniation)
What is Lumbar Hernia?
In the lumbar spine, the outer part of the discs between the vertebrae is ruptured and the inner part protrudes outward. The protruding disc can put pressure on the nerve cords, causing pain and neurological complaints.
Why does it occur?
· Age-related disc degeneration
· Sudden and heavy lifting
· Poor posture and ergonomics
· Long süre sitting
· Obesity
· Traumas
· Genetic predisposition
Who is more likely to suffer from a herniated disc?
Most Commonly Görüldü Age Range
· 30–50 years → the most common dörüage
· Peak incidence: 40s
· Under 20: rare (usually trauma or congenital factors)
· After 60 years of age: Disc degeneration increases, but spinal stenosis is more common than classic herniation
Why?
Disc in this age range:
· Hâlâ is movable
· But degeneration has begun
→ It is the dömoisture most prone to herniation.
Special Conditions in Women
· Pregnancy and postpartum lumbar strain
· Changes in disc and bone quality after menopause
· However, in general, men
What are the symptoms?
· Lumbar pain
· Pain radiating to the buttocks and legs (sciatica)
· Numbness, tingling in the leg
· Decrease in muscle gücü
· Increased pain in the foot or when walking
Emergency symptoms
If you have the following, urgently apply:
· Impaired control of urination or bowel movements
· Loss of güç in both legs
· Lethargy in the genital böldge
(This may be Cauda Equina Syndrome.)
How to Diagnose
· Detailed patient öyküsü
· Nörologic examination
· Magnetic Resonance (MR)
· EMG in required cases
It is important: The appearance of a hernia on MRI does not always mean that treatment is required.
Treatment Seçenekleri
Non-Surgical Treatment (First Choice)
Most patients recover without surgery.
· Rest (short rest)
· Ilaç treatment
· Physical therapy and exercise
· Pain treatments with epidural / nerve cökü injections (Algology)
Surgical Treatment
In the following cases, düşünülür:
· Severe pain that lasts a long time and does not go away
· Progressive muscle güçsüsügü
· Complaints that seriously affect life
· Emergency nörological tables
Surgery may be necessary in the following cases:
In our day and age, herniated disc surgeries are performed with microsurgical and endoscopic methods (Closed herniated disc surgery), with small incisions and high success rates.
After Surgery
· Usually 1–2 gün hospitalization (can be discharged the same day after closed surgery)
· Early mobilization
· Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the waist and back
To Prevent Lumbar Hernia
· Habit correct posture
· Do not stay in the same position for a long time
· Avoid sitting for long periods of time
· Düzenli waist–abdominal exercises
· To avoid overweight
· Lift heavy weights with the right technique
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a herniated disc go away on its own?
➡️Evet. With appropriate treatment, the hernia tissue can be reduced over time.
Does a herniated disc always require surgery?
➡️ No. 85–90’% of patients recover without surgery.
Is lumbar hernia surgery risky?
➡️Doğru patient selection and experienced team, the risk rate is low.
Does a hernia recur after surgery?
➡️ Although rare, it is possible. Exercise and lifestyle are very important.
Don't forget
In lumbar herniated discs, correct diagnosis, personalized treatment and regular follow-up can lead to excellent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does a herniated disc always require surgery?
No. According to Prof. Dr. Selçuk Göçmen's more than 20 years of clinical experience, approximately 85-90% of patients with herniated discs can recover with non-surgical treatment methods. Surgery is only preferred in cases of advanced neurological findings or when the quality of life is severely affected.
Q2. How long does a herniated disc surgery take?
Herniated disc surgeries generally take between 45 and 90 minutes. The duration may be shorter with microsurgical and closed (endoscopic) methods.
Q3. Is a herniated disc surgery risky?
Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the risk rate of herniated disc surgeries is quite low. When performed by an experienced neurosurgeon, the risk of complications is minimal.
Q4. What is the recovery period after a herniated disc surgery?
Patients can usually get up on the same day or the next day after surgery. Return to daily life is possible within a few days.
Q5. Does a herniated disc heal on its own?
Yes. With appropriate treatment and rest, the herniated disc tissue can shrink over time. Therefore, most patients recover without surgery.
Q6. Can a herniated disc recur?
Although rare, it can recur. However, this risk can be reduced with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Q7. What is closed (endoscopic) lumbar disc herniation surgery?
Closed (endoscopic) lumbar disc herniation surgery is a modern surgical method performed through small incisions that do not damage muscle tissue.
Q8. Can someone with a herniated disc do sports?
Yes. The right exercises are an important part of the treatment, but they should be done under expert supervision.
