Types of Herniated Disc Treatments

Includes conservative therapy, microdiscectomy, and spinal decompression surgery.

• Scoliosis Surgery
• Cifoplastia
• Spine Decompression Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Types of Hernia Herniated Disk Treatment India

There are many ways to manage disc herniation. Following are the types of treatments for herniated disc:

• Rest and self-care
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Epidural injections
• Surgical intervention

Rest and Self-care

In mild cases of herniated disc, the rest is recommended and hot or cold packs to manage the pain are advised to the patients. The mild cases of herniated disc don’t require aggressive treatments and usually the symptoms disappear after sometime with basic management.

Medications

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): these medicines are used to treat pain and swelling caused by herniated disc.
• Muscle relaxants: these medicines help to relax muscle spasm caused by herniated disc.
• Pain medications: stronger pain medications like opioids can be given to the patient with severe pain.

Epidural Injections

This procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid medication directly into the space around the affected spinal nerve. The medication helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Epidural steroid injections can provide temporary relief, and multiple injections may be necessary over time.

Physical Therapy

Some exercises are prescribed to the patients in order to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve flexibility. This may include exercises and techniques to alleviate pressure on the affected nerves. 

Surgical Interventions

Surgery is generally considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms or if there are severe neurological deficits, such as muscle weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control. Surgical options for a herniated disk include:

• Discectomy: in this surgical procedure, the herniated part of the disc is removed to relieve pressure on the nerves.
• Spinal fusion: In some cases, after removal of herniated disc the spine fusion procedure is performed to provide stability to the spine. 
• Artificial disk replacement: In this procedure, the surgical disc is replaced with an artificial disc to allow the movement in the spine.  

Diagnosis of Hernia Herniated Disk Treatment India

Following are the ways to diagnose disc herniation:

Imaging Tests

• X-rays: X-rays cannot diagnose the herniated disc properly but it helps to rule out other causes of the symptoms, such as fractures or abnormalities in the bones.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI can show a clearer picture of soft tissue in the backbone including the disc. It provides accurate diagnosis with severity of the disc herniation.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: In some cases, a CT scan may be used to provide additional information about the bony structures and the extent of compression to the nerves present in the spinal canal.

Electromyogram (EMG)

This test measures the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves. It can help identify if nerve compression is present and which specific nerves are affected.

Discography

This diagnostic procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into the suspected disc to evaluate its condition and identify the specific disc causing the symptoms. It is typically used when other imaging tests cannot be performed.

Cost of Disc Herniation Treatment in India

The cost of disc herniation treatment in India ranges from 2000 USD- 3000 USD. The cost may vary according to the facilities of the hospital and the skill of the surgeon. It may also vary according to the complications of individual patients during or after the procedure. There are also different procedures for the treatment of disc herniation, each with different costs.

Cost of different procedure of disc herniation treatment in India:

• Disc Herniation : 2930 USD - 3907 USD
• Prolapsed Disc : 1598 USD - 2131 USD
• Slip Disc : 2131 USD - 2841 USD

Types of Symptoms of Disc Herniation

Here are some of the symptoms that are associated with disc herniation:

• Pain
• Numbness.
• Feeling pins and needles.
• Weakness of muscles.
• Pain starting from lower back to the foot.
• Changes in normal functions.
• Radiating pain.
• Loss of sensation
• Muscle spasms.
• Difficulty with certain movements.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Poor bowel control.
• Foot drop due to nerve damage.

Risk Factors of Disc Herniation

There are certain risk factors of disc herniation in following:

Age

The risk of herniated disc increases with age. With increased age, the disc loses its water content and flexibility decreases which can make it more prone for hernia.

Occupation

The type of occupations that involve repetitive activities or heavy lifting or those who excessively bend and twist with no proper instructions have higher risks for herniated discs in some stage of life. 

Genetics

If the family history is positive for herniated disc, then there is increased risk of herniated disc. 

Weight

Increased body weight can increase the stress in the backbone which makes it easier for the disc to herniate.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of exercises can weaken the muscle that provides stability to the backbone. The weakened muscle in the spine can increase the chances of disc herniation.

Smoking

Smoking can cause weakness of the spinal discs which is more prone to injury and herniation of discs.

Poor Posture

Sitting for long periods with poor posture can increase pressure on the spinal discs and increase the risk of herniation.

Trauma or Injury

Fall from height or a car accident can lead to traumatic injury which also includes herniated discs.