Hernia
What is a hernia?
A hernia begins can begin with stiff feeling in the lower back. The pain increases slowly, until it reaches a point where you are limited in daily life with most movements causing pain. Getting up in the morning is suddenly quite a task.
Walking is difficult and you adopt strange body postures to avoid the pain. Chances are you have a herniated disc. Fortunately, a hernia can be treated well with chiropractic. Operations are almost never necessary!
A hernia is a bulge or a tearing of an intervertebral disc. In the middle of an intervertebral disc is a soft gel that ensures suppleness and mobility of the vertebrae. If that gel bulges through a small tear – for example due to an accident or heavy lifting – it can press on nerve roots in the spine. The nerves then send a pain signal to the brain, to let it be known that something is wrong.
Did you know
Did you know that lumbago is the name for a disc irritation that may be on its way to becoming a hernia?
A hernia is often accompanied by acute shooting pain. You have ‘gone through your back’ and may also suffer from a radiating pain in one or both legs, the back and / or the buttock. To prevent further damage, the muscles in the spine cramp up to prevent most movements. Unfortunately, this can be very painful and cause many limitations.
Stages of a hernia
Hernias have several stages with a degree 0 – 5.
0. Normal intervertebral
1. Disturbed/irritated intervertebral vertebra
2. Mild tear of the disc
3. Moderate tear
4. Severe tear
5. Complete tear
In lumbago, the hernia often in a stage 2 or 3, when there is minimal tearing of the intervertebral disc. At all stages, it is possible for the intervertebral to press against a nerve pathway irregardless to size of tear. The nerve that is most often irritated is the Sciatica nerve that runs from the back to your buttock and leg. Sciatica (irritation of this main nerve) is a symptom of lumbago or a complete hernia.
Chiropractic and a hernia
How we can help you
Chiropractic treatments increase the body’s capacity to heal the hernia, helps remove the pressure from the nerve and prevent further damage to the intervertebral discs and nerves and promote recovery. Chiropractic aims to improve poor posture, increase the mobility of the spine and restore the function of the irritated nerves.
This is done by using chiropractic techniques. One of the techniques is chiropractic manipulation. With the hands, pressure is put on the joint and thereby set in motion. The freedom of movement of the joint is restored and the pain decreases. We will also utilise ‘flexion distraction’ techniques, and a multitude of tissue techniques to promote healing.
In addition to chiropractic treatment of the spine, the chiropractor will also recommend special exercises. These exercises promote the healing process, provided they are performed regularly. Together we work on your better health.
What are the causes of a hernia?
- Injuries due to an accident or trauma
- Prolonged sitting in the wrong position
- Improper lifting and bending patterns
- Use of a unsupportive mattress
- Poor posture when sitting, standing, lifting or walking
- Too little physical activity
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Weakening of the muscles
- Overweight
- Birth defects or hereditary factors
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Lower back hernia: the most common symptoms
With a hernia, you mainly suffer from nerve pain that can be felt in the lower back, buttock and leg. If you suffer from radiation in the buttock or leg, this is often only on one side. The pain of a hernia can feel sharp, nagging or burning. You may also suffer with tingling, numbness or power loss in the leg.
Most common hernia symptoms:
- Lower back/pelvic pain
- Pain with certain movements (bending/lifting or rotation of the back)
- Radiation pain over the buttocks, pelvis to the knee or foot
- Radiation feels like tingling or numbness in the buttock/leg
- Lower back pain when coughing/sneezing/bearing down