What Are the Symptoms of a Lumbar Disc Herniation?

• Continuous or sudden onset of pain in the lower back area
• Severe pain radiating from the buttock down the leg (sciatica)
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot or leg
• Pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing
• Difficulty with movements such as bending, standing up, or walking
• In rare cases, loss of bladder/bowel control (may require emergency surgery)

How Is a Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated?

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition:

• Medication: Muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Physical Therapy: Localized exercises, hot-cold applications, electrical stimulation therapy.
• Exercise and Rest: Proper posture training and exercises to strengthen lower back muscles.
• Epidural Injections: Can be administered in cases of severe pain.

Surgery and Post-Operative Care

Fully-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (Full Endoscopic Discectomy)

• Advantages: Minimally invasive surgery performed through a very small incision, which does not harm muscles and tissues.
• Surgery Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
• Anesthesia: Usually performed under general anesthesia.
• Recovery Process: The patient is mobilized within 2 hours after surgery. Discharge usually occurs the next day.
• Risks: The risk of infection is almost negligible. The recovery process is very fast.

Exercises for Lumbar Disc Herniation

(⚠️ It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any exercise.)

• Pelvic Tilt: A stretching exercise performed by lying on your back and pressing the small of your back to the floor.
• Cat-Cow Stretch: A yoga pose performed on hands and knees that stretches the spine.
• Bridge Exercise: Lifting the hips up while lying on your back.
• Knee-to-Chest Stretch: Stretching by pulling the knees to the chest while lying on your back.

Conclusion

A lumbar disc herniation is a condition that can be managed without compromising quality of life with early diagnosis and proper treatment. In cases requiring surgery, Fully-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy stands out for its minimal risk and fast recovery time.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emir Kaan İzci offers modern and effective solutions in the field of spinal health at Konya Başkent University Hospital. If you suspect you have a lumbar disc herniation, you can contact our clinic for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.