In 80% of cases, will cure itself without surgery 

Nerve compressed by slipped disc in the spine

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on location
 

Neck area

Radiating pain in arm until fingers
Loss of strength, numbness
Sometimes inability to walk

Lower back area

Radiating pain in leg until toes
Loss of strength, numbness

Ribcage area

Rarely hernias occur
Radiating pain to legs
Numbness torso and /or legs
Loss of strength in legs
Pain is worse when coughing and/or sneezing

Diagnosis

MRI scan

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– Unknown: 60%

 

80 % of patients with a hernia, do not need surgery! 

The disease is cured after 6-12 weeks 

 

During this time:

Keep active

Physical therapy/rehabilitation

Pain medication 

Infiltration of nerve  

 

The remaining 20% will problably need Surgery.

 

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AIM of Surgery

Remove hernia and (part of)disc to free nerve

Sometimes an artificial disc is placed

Risks of surgery are low

RISKS:

Leakage of spinal fluid

 

Infection

Bleeding after surgery

Worsening of symptoms

Recurrence of a hernia

Back- or neck pain

Talk to your specialist for more information

 

Emergency

Safe your nerves and know when to contact your doctor immediately:

Acute loss of strength/inability to walk

 

Numbness in buttock, genital area and /or impotence

 

No control over urine or faeces

Prognosis

Nerve damage or spinal cord injury can not be cured with surgery
Decompression of these structures are needed fast if there are more symptoms then only pain
Otherwise the prognosis is generally good