Severity levels of spinal disc herniation:
- In the initial stages, the spinal disc becomes herniated but still does not put pressure on the nerves, so symptoms mostly consist of back pain.
- If disc herniation occurs to the point that pressure is exerted on the spine or to the point that irritation occurs, pain will radiate down to the legs along the nerves to these parts such as the thighs, outer part of the legs, soles of the feet and the upper surface of the feet.
- If there are also symptoms of numbness and weakness, this can indicate a high severity of the disease. Moreover, if the herniated disc puts pressure on the nerves responsible for controlling bowel movements, the patient might also experience abnormal bowel movement, which is an emergency requiring urgent surgery, or else the nerves will continue to be damaged.
Endoscopic spinal surgery is the better option.
Today, endoscopic spinal surgery is performed by using a microscope to help provide greater magnification and a clearer view. Because the surgery can be performed through a small tube, it is no longer necessary to perform big open surgery that cuts through muscles, and the patient’s chance of recovery is as high as 90-95%.
Not having to undergo open surgery is a benefit that patients can receive!
- It reduces muscle injury.
- It reduces blood loss.
- It promotes faster recovery in just 2-3 days.
- It creates small surgical wounds that produce lower risk of infection.
- Surgery requires just 1 to 1 and a half hours to perform.
As we age, the structure of bone changes and this results in loss of bone tissue; however, you can strengthen your back muscles by exercising and not letting yourself be too heavy. You can modify your daily behaviors to avoid remaining in the same posture for long periods in addition to refraining from smoking. To these, and you can already reduce risk for spinal disc herniation.
