The part of the spinal canal in the back region has a narrower structure compared to the waist and neck region. Therefore, in case of a herniation in the back hernia, patients may experience serious discomfort. In other words, although it is much less common than lumbar and cervical hernia, it is actually more dangerous. If treatment is late, more serious consequences may occur that cannot be reversed. Therefore, it is vital that the treatment is carried out without delay.
What Is Back Hernia? Why Does It Happen?
There is a cartilaginous tissue between the bones in the dorsal spine. If this cartilage is damaged or degenerated, a tear occurs. With the tear, the gelatinous tissue in between comes out. Back hernia occurs when the tissue in question presses on both the nerves in the back and the spinal cord. The herniated disc first manifests itself with back pain, but the pain in question may also be caused by the pancreas or lungs. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to see an experienced doctor to make a definitive diagnosis of a herniated disc.
What Are The Symptoms Of Back Hernia?
Back hernia first manifests itself with pain in the back area. The pain in question may spread to the neck and arms over time. The frequency, intensity and duration of the pain may vary from patient to patient. Pain may sometimes occur on one side and sometimes on both sides. Other common symptoms of back hernia are as follows:
- Tingling in the neck, back and arms,
- Gait disorders,
- Weakness in the arms, legs and abdominal muscles,
- Restlessness,
- Difficulty controlling the bladder and bowels,
- Loss of sensation, numbness and numbness in the trunk and legs.
The pain felt by patients with a herniated disc can be exacerbated by coughing, straining or sneezing. If symptoms such as urinary or faecal incontinence and loss of strength in the legs occur, patients need urgent surgery.
Back Hernia Non Surgical Treatment Methods
In case of suspected back hernia, MRI or CT imaging is required to visualise the hernia. In cases where the disease does not progress, the patient is advised by doctors to rest and not to move except for essential needs such as toilets. Physiotherapy and osteopathic treatment methods can also be used in this process.
Physiotherapy And Osteopathic Treatment
Various exercise programmes are applied to strengthen the back muscles in physiotherapy. In this way, it is aimed to reduce the pressure on the discs and nerves in the back. Within the scope of physical therapy applications, ice and hot compress applications, as well as methods such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound can be used. Osteopathic treatment aims to loosen the surrounding tissues in the herniated area. In this way, circulation is increased, joint blockages are opened and progress is made in the healing of the back hernia. As a result, obstacles to fluid flow are removed and movement restrictions are corrected.
Surgical Methods In Back Hernia Treatment
If the above-mentioned treatment methods do not work and the spinal cord begins to crush and causes loss of strength and sensation in the muscles, then surgical methods are used. Thoracoscopic surgery is the most common surgical method used in the treatment of back hernia.
Thoracoscopic Surgery
Thoracoscopic surgery, also called VATS, uses sophisticated optical cameras and video screens. These cameras pass through the rib cage and reach the dorsal spine from the front or side. The prominent advantages of this method are as follows: Less tissue dissection, minimal blood loss, shorter hospitalisation, faster recovery and less postoperative pain.
At the same time, in the back hernias located on the sides of the spine, microscope or microsurgical approaches are used to enter the back and the bones around the hernia are removed. This method is called posterolateral approach. The treatment method to be applied in dorsal hernia varies according to the patient’s condition, age, symptoms and location of the hernia. Therefore, a specialist doctor’s examination is recommended.