Can a hernia be cured without surgery?

Spinal Hernia: from symptoms to treatment - expert reveals details of the common disease

Intervertebral discs serve as natural shock absorbers in our spine, protecting it from damage during walking, jumping, and sudden movements. As neurologist Maxim Pankov told "Gazeta.Ru", a hernia forms when a worn-out or damaged disc cannot withstand pressure: the soft inner nucleus breaks through the weakened outer shell, forming a characteristic protrusion.

Among the key risk factors, the specialist highlights genetic predisposition, age-related disc changes, back injuries, sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and improper technique when lifting heavy objects.

Interestingly, intervertebral hernias are found in almost all adults, but most of them do not manifest themselves in any way. Problems arise only when nerve structures are compressed - then shooting back pain, numbness in the extremities, tingling, and muscle weakness appear.

When such symptoms appear, it is necessary to immediately consult a neurologist, the expert emphasizes. Without proper treatment, a hernia affecting the nerves can lead to serious complications - from chronic pain to irreversible muscle weakness.

The diagnostic process begins with an examination and patient interview, after which an MRI may be prescribed. In some cases, consultation with specialists - a vertebrologist surgeon or neurosurgeon - is required.

The encouraging news: the vast majority of intervertebral hernias (70-90%) do not require surgical intervention. With properly selected conservative therapy, the body is able to independently reduce or even completely "resorb" the protrusion.

Treatment usually includes taking anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants, and after relieving the acute condition - special exercises to strengthen the back muscles. If pain syndrome persists, nerve blocks are used - the introduction of anesthetics directly into the area of affected nerves.

Surgery is only resorted to in cases where conservative treatment does not yield results within 6-12 weeks, there is progressive muscle weakness, or pelvic organ dysfunction.

For hernia prevention, the expert recommends lifting heavy objects correctly (with a straight back, relying on the legs), regularly strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, avoiding prolonged sitting, and taking breaks every 30-60 minutes. It is also important to monitor weight: if the waist circumference exceeds the norm (more than 94 cm for men and more than 80 cm for women), it is recommended to consult an endocrinologist.