Among the anatomical structures that make up the spinal column are soft tissues, called intervertebral discs, which fulfill the functions of articulating the vertebrae and cushioning their movement.
Discs, in turn, are made up of a soft, gel-like center and a more solid outer covering, and when the outer covering is torn or split open, the gelatinous component can escape and create a herniated disc.
Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, although they can also occur in the neck, and many times people who have a herniated disc have no symptoms.
But at other times they may feel numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg or pain in the buttocks, thigh and calf (if the hernia is in the lower back) or in the shoulder and arm (if the hernia is located on the neck).
A neck or back pain that runs down the arm or leg, or numbness, tingling, or weakness, is often an indicator of a bulky hernia that is compressing the nerves, so seek medical attention.
Generally, a pain of this nature disappears with a conservative treatment; but it is estimated that 10% of cases require surgical intervention, to free the nerve root that is being compressed.
Neurosurgeons have various techniques in our favor to perform a herniated disc surgery:
- One technique is to remove the hernia and remove part of the soft area of the disc, to prevent it from recurring. This is the most common and effective alternative and can be done through a small incision of two to six centimeters.
- Another effective alternative, applicable for the treatment of some hernias, with successful results in more than 85% of cases, allows us to perform the operation through the skin, with the help of the endoscope.
In the latter case, the patient can return home one to three days after the operation and rest (without bending the waist) for four weeks, before starting a treatment with rehabilitation exercises.
I have the knowledge, experience, instruments and the most appropriate environment to provide the treatment service for herniated discs in Costa Rica. If you notice any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to tell me.
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