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Herniated disc caused by poor posture and habits, what are the treatment options? [Health Ole-gil]

Dealing with a herniated disc is really tough.

However, for discs affected by aging that are not severe, it is better not to undergo procedures or surgery.

To the director of Severance Hospital, renowned for treating lumbar disc herniation in our country,

I went because of my mom's herniated disc..

It's not good to perform procedures; just rest if you're in pain, and if you're not, live by soothing yourself through exercise...

 

So... I think it's important to manage it properly with good posture.

Of course, conditions like acute disc issues definitely require surgery...

 

The main point of this article is that consistent exercise such as walking and swimming can strengthen the lower back muscles.

Live with good posture!!!

 

So I'm sitting up straight in my chair again now, haha.

 

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대찬병원 박정우 원장
Director Park Jung-woo of Daechan Hospital

Lumbar disc herniation, one of the spinal disorders, occurs when the disc between the vertebrae protrudes from its original position and compresses the adjacent nerve, causing pain and various neurological symptoms. It is commonly referred to as a 'herniated disc' or 'lumbar disc'.

The main cause of spinal disc herniation is degenerative changes in the spine due to aging. In particular, recently, the incidence is increasing even among young people due to poor posture habits. Additionally, sudden external shocks such as traffic accidents and weight gain are also identified as causes.

The main characteristic is severe pain when bending the waist due to back pain, and the pain worsens when sitting compared to standing. Additionally, if the pain intensifies when lying down and lifting the leg, a disease should be suspected.

The problem is that in cases where the initial symptoms of a herniated disc are not severe, many people neglect to seek treatment. However, as time passes, the condition can worsen, leading to back pain and radiating leg pain, which may occur alone or simultaneously. In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as sensory loss and paralysis in the legs can appear. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a hospital early and receive appropriate treatment.

Director Park Jung-woo of Daechan Hospital advised, "Many herniated disc patients tend to delay treatment initially because their pain is not severe. However, if left untreated, their symptoms can gradually worsen, making it difficult to sit or stand during daily activities and reducing sleep quality, which can significantly decrease quality of life. Therefore, early detection and active treatment are crucial."

Fortunately, in the early stages of spinal disc herniation, non-surgical treatment is sufficiently effective. Types of non-surgical treatments include manual therapy, injections, and medication, tailored to each individual patient. On the other hand, if radiating pain is severe and accompanied by bladder or bowel dysfunction or paralysis of the lower limbs, surgical options such as bilateral spinal endoscopy should be considered.

Director Park Jung-woo stated, "Bilateral spinal endoscopic surgery is a method that allows for more precise surgical procedures by expanding the range of surgical tools that can be inserted into the affected area through bilateral ports for endoscopy and surgical instruments. It is performed with minimal incisions, resulting in less direct muscle damage, which leads to less postoperative pain. This makes it safe for elderly patients, diabetics, and those with chronic illnesses."

He added, "To prevent recurrence of lumbar disc herniation, it is important to avoid sudden postures that put strain on the back as much as possible, and to strengthen the lower back muscles through regular exercises such as walking and swimming that minimize spinal flexion, along with managing individual lifestyle habits in daily life."

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  • Profile Image
    H.J
    저에게 꼭 필요한 정보인 것 같아요. 평소 척추 디스크 허리 디스크 허리통증 자세불균형으로 인해서 불편함을 계속 달고 허리 통증 때문에 많이 고생하고 있거든요. 
    제가 자세가 바르다고 생각하는데. 나름 어떤 태도만하면은 허리가 아프고 모든 게 신경에도연관이 있는 거 같아요. 
    정보를 자세히 잘 보면서 저도 허리와 척추의 연관이 되는 좋지 않은 생활 습관은 피하고 보다 원만한 생활을 해야겠네요. 정말 정보가 도움이 됐습니다.
  • Profile Image
    희영
    바른자세가 중요한걸 알긴하는데 실천하기가 너무 힘드네요. 특히 내가 아닌 아이에게는  더 그런거같아요. 본인이 해야겠단 다짐이 있어도 고치기가 쉽지않아서요.
  • Profile Image
    바다
    자세가 정말 중요한 것 같아요.
    바른 자세면... 아픈 곳이 확실히 줄어드는 것 같아요~