Intervertebral Hernia

Intervertebral hernia is a musculoskeletal disorder in humans, which usually complicates another condition - osteochondrosis.

It is characterized by the involvement of one of the spine segments, namely the intervertebral disc - a kind of shock absorber located between two vertebrae along the entire spine, helping us move, reducing stress on the joints, and cushioning and reducing traumatic impact on the body during physical exertion.

Such intervertebral discs consist of an outer, strong shell - the fibrous ring, and an inner - pulpy core, which has a gel-like consistency.

How does a hernia develop?

The process of hernia development is not instantaneous and almost always is a complication of other spinal conditions. It can also manifest itself with age or as a result of serious injuries.

A hernia develops in several stages: first, the outer shell of the intervertebral disc is damaged, causing protrusion. If not addressed by a doctor, the problem worsens; the fibrous ring suffers even more damage, it may tear, and the pulpy core (the "filling" of the intervertebral disc) protrudes and comes out.

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Depending on the section of the spine, hernias can cause various symptoms and pain:

• For cervical hernias, symptoms such as neck muscle pain, dizziness due to impaired blood circulation, severe headache, and ringing in the ears are typical. Numbness along the arm or in the fingers can also be troubling.

• For thoracic spine hernias, common symptoms include pain between the shoulder blades, radiating, piercing, neuralgic pains along the ribs. A stabbing or burning pain under the shoulder blade or in the "heart" area, known as phantom or pseudo-cardiac pain, can be caused by a hernia.

• For lumbar spine hernias, there is a dragging, dull pain along the buttock, the back of the thigh, which can radiate to the groin; pseudorenal pain when it feels like the kidneys hurt; numbness, tingling, a sensation of cold or heat along the leg or in the toes.

Treatment

At the Marusich Rehabilitation Center, we offer safe treatment of hernias and protrusions using conservative methods without surgical intervention in 95% of cases. This becomes possible thanks to the accurate diagnosis and localization of the problem, the professional approach of our doctors, and comprehensive treatment under the careful supervision of specialists throughout the rehabilitation process.

To achieve our goal of complete recovery, we offer:

• Safe, gentle manual techniques;
• Therapeutic back massage with myofascial techniques;
• Treatment with physiotherapy procedures;
• Kinesiotherapy in individual sessions with a rehabilitation specialist;
• Drug treatment in case of acute pain or neuralgia.

The methods of treatment and the complex of medical procedures are selected individually for each patient by our specialists, taking into account their condition and diagnosis.

The doctor may also refer you for instrumental examinations such as MRI, CT, and X-rays or recommend laboratory tests to further clarify the diagnosis.

Where to turn?

The successful treatment of hernias greatly depends on restoring mobility throughout the spine and intervertebral joints, especially in the area where the problem is localized and pathological changes are detected.

It is not advisable to self-diagnose or self-treat hernias. In Kryvyi Rih, at the Marusich center, experienced specialists will not only be able to diagnose the condition but also offer comprehensive therapy - effective and safe, resulting in a quick relief of unpleasant symptoms and the elimination of their causes.