The spinal cord disorder that causes the discs between the vertebrae in the lumbar region to rupture and compress the nerves is called herniated disc. Herniated disc, which causes severe low back pain and pain and numbness spreading to the leg, also causes limitation of movement and negatively affects the quality of life.

What is a herniated disc?

The reason why our spine is flexible and dynamic against the loads and impacts on the spine is that the discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers. Due to aging or in cases such as a heavy load on the spine or an unexpected sudden movement, the discs may deform and rupture.

The deformation that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the lumbar region rupture and overflow into the spinal canal and compress the nerves is called herniated disc. Herniated disc, also called lumbar disc herniation in medical language, is a common spinal condition due to the fact that the spine is exposed to excessive load and pressure, especially in the lumbar region.

What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Hernia?

The symptoms of herniated disc vary according to the stages of the disease. In the first stage, a low back pain is felt, which starts with a mild intensity with the rupture of the discs between the spine and continues to increase day by day. 

As a result of the rupture and deformation of the discs, fluid loss begins in the discs and it overflows into the canal between the vertebrae, compressing the nerves, and with this nerve compression due to hernia, low back pain begins to spread to the legs and feet.

As the stages of lumbar hernia progress, numbness and burning in the legs and feet cause weakness in the muscles in the later stages, causing movement restriction in the body and begins to affect daily life negatively. 

The symptoms that may occur after the onset of herniated disc may vary depending on the age, body resistance, muscle structure and causes of the discomfort, and can be summarized as follows. 

- Body aches that start in the waist and spread to the legs

- Numbness and pain in the legs and feet

- Continuation of pain in the sleeping position

– Back and leg pains that occur while doing sports or walking 

- Weakness in the muscles

- Feeling of strain when sitting and walking

– Restriction in daily movements

– Urinary incontinence

What are the Risk Factors of Lumbar Hernia?

Lumbar hernia is a spinal disorder that many people are exposed to at some point in their lives, and lumbar hernia can be encountered frequently, especially in groups aged 30 and over.

There are many risk factors that trigger lumbar hernia. The most important of these is posture disorder. Posture disorder is a bad habit that many people acquire without realizing it, and in the following years, it causes calcification in the neck and back region, causing weakening of the muscles and may pave the way for the formation of herniated disc.

Lumbar hernia can also be seen as an occupational disease in some occupational groups. Especially in people who drive for a long time, who are constantly exposed to heavy lifting or who have to sit at a desk for long hours, herniated disc pain and discomfort are frequently encountered.

Excess weight, obesity or obesity are among the factors that cause herniated disc. With excessive weight gain, the pressure on the lumbar vertebrae increases, causing the discs to rupture, which can lead to a herniated disc. Especially, being exposed to excessive weight gain during pregnancy can also trigger herniated disc, so paying attention to nutrition and doing regular sports during pregnancy are protective measures against herniated disc. 

Smoking is considered as another factor that can cause herniated disc. Long-term smoking causes fluid loss in the discs located between the vertebrae, which causes deformation of the discs and compression of the nerves between the vertebrae. Staying away from smoking as a lifestyle is an important factor in protecting your spine health.

What is Non-Surgical Lumbar Hernia Treatment?

Lumbar hernia is caused by excessive load on the spine and, as a result, deformation of the discs. The main goal in the non-surgical treatment approach of herniated disc is to remove the excess load on the spine. When acting with this goal, hernia can be treated without surgery.

What is Non-Surgical Lumbar Hernia Treatment with Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is among the treatment methods used in spinal disorders and orthopedic problems, and it is used successfully especially in the treatment of lumbar hernia. It helps to provide the necessary environment for the regeneration of deformed discs by reducing the pressure on the vertebrae by various methods such as pulling and stretching with the method of hand manipulations.

The aim of the treatment of herniated disc with manual therapy; It is the act of activating the immobile vertebrae and making the non-working or weak muscle groups active and strong. Manual therapy application, which is carried out together with regular exercises, shows healing effects on patients by reducing low back pain in a short time and achieves successful results in the treatment of herniated disc with regular manual therapy sessions.