What is a Herniated Disc: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Low back pain is a common cause of limitations to perform daily life activities, as well as of work absenteeism. One of the main causes of chronic low back pain is the degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which increases after the age of 40 and is caused by a cascade of multiple cellular, inflammatory and complex mechanical events that condition segmental instability in the functional unit.

A prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc can generate compression or irritation in one or more lumbosacral nerve roots, being the most common cause of sciatica or lumbosacral root syndrome (pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs and is associated with a tension in one or more lumbosacral nerve roots or neurological deficit).

Understanding Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the intervertebral disc, which acts as a cushion between vertebrae, protrudes or ruptures, compressing nearby nerves and causing pain and other symptoms.

Treatment Options for Herniated Disc

Treatment for a herniated disc can be conservative or surgical.

Surgical Treatment Limitations

A surgical treatment does not necessarily cure symptoms, since the success rate varies between 60-90%; in other words, between 10 and 40% of the patients do not have favorable results and will continue experiencing symptoms. Between 3 and 12% will require a surgical re-intervention due to the recurrence of the herniated disc.

These statistics highlight the importance of exploring non-surgical alternatives before considering surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

There are various techniques and therapeutic modalities that can help avoid the need for a surgical procedure. Some of them stand out, including:

Regenerative Treatments

Everything must go hand in hand with an adequate spinal hygiene that will give us the possibility of not requiring a surgical intervention so we can go back to performing our daily activities.

The Ovando Sanders Treatment

The Ovando Sanders Treatment has shown 98% effectiveness in patients with Lumbar Hernia. It is carried out in the course of a few weeks and without side effects.

Key Benefits

This treatment represents a highly effective alternative to surgical intervention, with significantly better outcomes than traditional surgical approaches.

Conclusion

Herniated discs are a common cause of low back pain and sciatica, significantly affecting quality of life and work capacity. While surgical treatment exists, it has limitations with success rates between 60-90%, and a significant percentage of patients continue experiencing symptoms or require re-intervention.

Non-surgical treatments, such as the Ovando Sanders Treatment with 98% effectiveness, offer a viable and often superior alternative. At Centro de la Columna Vertebral, we specialize in non-surgical approaches that can help you regain your quality of life without the risks and limitations of surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the intervertebral disc, which acts as a cushion between vertebrae, protrudes or ruptures, compressing nearby nerves. This is one of the main causes of chronic low back pain and sciatica.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms include low back pain, sciatica (pain radiating to the buttocks or legs), tension in lumbosacral nerve roots, and neurological deficits. The pain can significantly limit daily activities and work capacity.

What is the success rate of surgery for herniated disc?

Surgical treatment has a success rate that varies between 60-90%, meaning 10-40% of patients do not have favorable results and continue experiencing symptoms. Additionally, 3-12% will require surgical re-intervention due to recurrence.

Are there non-surgical treatments for herniated disc?

Yes, there are various non-surgical techniques including regenerative treatments, antioxidant therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. The Ovando Sanders Treatment has shown 98% effectiveness in patients with lumbar hernia.

How effective is the Ovando Sanders Treatment?

The Ovando Sanders Treatment has demonstrated 98% effectiveness in patients with lumbar hernia. It is completed in a few weeks, has no side effects, and does not require hospitalization, making it a highly effective alternative to surgery.