
BACK PAIN DUE TO HERNIATED DISC
Kotipalli Vishnu Prasad M.S. M. Ch. Medical Director, M.B. Hospitals
Introduction
Back pain is one of the most common health problems and is a common reason why people visit a doctor in India. The pain can be short lived or can be a long term source of debilitating pain affecting our normal day to day activities. Disc herniation is a common cause of back pain. These can be diagnosed and effectively treated to give a pain free life
Anatomy
To understand backpain we need to know the anatomy of the spine. The back bone consists of 33 bones called vertebrae stacked on top of each other. In between the vertebra are intrervertebral discs, the other supporting structures being muscles and ligaments. Together, the vertebrae and the discs provide a protective tunnel (the spinal canal) to house the spinal cord and spinal nerves. These nerves run down the center of the vertebrae and exit to various parts of the body. These help to carry signals to and from brain to the other structures Most herniated discs occur in the lumbar section of the spine .The lower back is called lumbar spine and is made up of five bones called the lumbar vertebrae. The lumbar spine bears most of the weight of the body. The vertebrae are separated by cushiony discs, which act as shock absorbers preventing the vertebrae from rubbing together. Each disc is made up of a tire-like outer band called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like inner substance called the nucleus pulposus.
What are the causes of the herniated disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a weak area in the tough outer wall, the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve causing back pain and leg pain. It can be due to improper lifting or spontaneously, aging also plays an important roleWhat are the Symptoms? Back pain may be associated with pain that radiates from your low back area, down one or both legs, this is called sciatica. Pain usually gets aggravated on activity such as bending and lifting. Pain maybe accompanied by numbness and tingling in your leg



What is Microendoscopic discectomy (M.E.D)?
It is a key hole variant of discectomy where only a 1.5-2cm incision is taken and tunnel for the camera, an endoscope and instruments is made and under vision, the herniated disc is reached and removed. It is a surgical technique which requires proper training and in experienced hands gives the best results to the patient What are the advantages of M.E.D? Smaller incision, less damage to native structures, less complications, early mobilization on day 2 of surgery, smaller scar What to expect post-surgery? Early mobilization ,physiotherapy, proper posture and lifting techniques, proper diet and stress management all help in early recovery and early return to work
Our Microendoscopic Discectomy techniques have advanced so well over the years which enable a 1-2-3 care for the patient.
Operate on Day 1, walk on Day 2 and get discharged on Day 3.