
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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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."