How does a hernia occur?

Let's take a look at the structure of our spine to understand the underlying cause of waist and neck hernias. In humans, the spine is a chain of semi-movable bones that extends from the head to the coccyx in the middle of the back. Each link of this chain is called a vertebra or vertebra. At the back of the vertebrae, the bone takes the form of a ring and the spinal cord passes in the middle. On the anterior side, the discs are split between the two vertebrae.

Have a flexible and solid structure to provide mobility to the system and to connect the links of the chain to one another. In the middle, there is a gel-like substance.

Vertebral disc hernia occurs as a result of loosening of the discs between the vertebrae. The gel-like substance in the center of the vertebral discs overflows and presses. The spinal cord and nerves leaving the spinal cord are compressed. Reflections occur in the body according to the level of the spinal cord that the hernia affects or the nerve that it compresses. 

If the sciatic nerve is compressed in the lower back, it causes leg pain, known as sciatica. If it is at the level of the neck vertebrae, numbness, pain and loss of strength may be experienced in the hands and arms. Sometimes it causes dizziness, leading to the discomfort also known as vertigo.

How is the treatment?

As for the treatment of spinal hernias with acupuncture, acupuncture can be easily preferred for hernias at all levels of the spine. The only situation in which acupuncture should not be preferred in the treatment is when the herniated disc material breaks off from the disc and falls into the spinal canal. In this case, the surgical method should be preferred urgently.

Acupuncture first of all increases the regional blood supply and solves the edema caused by the compression. The herniated region is retracted. Thus, both the nerve roots and the spinal cord are released. In the following sessions, recovery and revitalization of the disc are seen. This situation can be observed in comparative analyzes performed one year after the treatment and compared with the pre-treatment.

The treatment process is around 12-15 sessions. The application can be preferred between 2-3 sessions per week.
 

Dr. M. Salih Özaytürk