This is a news headline. Common Misconceptions About Herniated Discs

Acıbadem Fulya Hastanesi Department of Neurosurgery specialist Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu has emphasised that early diagnosis is crucial in herniated disc cases. Çavuşoğlu states, "If a herniated disc is not taken seriously or if time is wasted with unscientific, incorrect methods, first a weakening of the relevant muscle group occurs, and subsequently complete paralysis can develop." Misinformation about herniated discs circulating in society plays a major role behind attempts to treat the problem using unscientific methods such as sleeping on hard or wooden surfaces, applying honey and egg poultices to the lower back, or attaching leeches. Department of Neurosurgery specialist Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu at Acıbadem Fulya Hastanesi has outlined 10 common misconceptions about herniated discs and shared important warnings.

Misconception: Sleeping on a hard surface is good for herniated discs

Fact: 2-3 weeks of bed rest resolves symptoms developing in simple herniation cases. However, sleeping on a wooden or hard surface can cause bruising in the back and lower back area and increase pain. Therefore, rest should preferably be taken on a semi-orthopedic mattress to relieve the lower back from the pressure of body weight.

Misconception: Patients with herniated discs should avoid excessive movement

Fact: "Contrary to popular belief, prolonged sitting rather than movement increases patient symptoms," warns Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu, who explains the reason: "When we sit, intradiscal pressure reaches its highest level, and because the herniated disc increases pressure on nerve roots, the patient's symptoms worsen. For this reason, sitting should not exceed 20-25 minutes at a time and position should be changed frequently."

Misconception: Applying leeches or cupping provides benefits

Fact: Unscientific applications such as attaching foods like fish, honey and eggs to the lower back area or applying them as massage, applying leeches, cupping, cupping therapy involving bloodletting through skin incisions, or passing thread through the skin with a needle have no place in treatment. Although some of these applications may provide temporary relief and relaxation in muscle spasm because they increase blood circulation in back muscles, they have no effect on the herniated disc. Moreover, they can cause serious complications ranging from superficial skin infections to deep abscess formation.

Misconception: Spinal manipulation is ideal for herniated discs

Fact: Spinal manipulation, the most dangerous of unscientific applications, when performed on people with herniated discs can cause disc rupture and subsequently extremely serious problems such as paralysis in the legs, loss of bladder and bowel control, and cessation of sexual function.

Misconception: Patients with herniated discs should wear a corset

Fact: Increasing spinal support reduces the load on the lower back. This support is achieved through simple exercises that strengthen the back and lower back muscles. Wearing a corset weakens our muscles and leads to undesired results. Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu states, "For this reason, corset use is definitely not recommended for herniated disc patients," noting that patients should only wear a corset in cases of spinal fractures and for the required duration.

Misconception: There is no permanent solution for herniated discs and I will always have pain

Fact: Neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu emphasises that very successful results are being achieved in herniated disc treatment today, stating, "Applying modern treatment methods, adopting a lifestyle in accordance with guidelines, and simple 15-20 minute daily exercises can provide a permanent solution for herniated discs."

Misconception: Herniated discs can only be treated through surgery

Fact: "Not all lower back pain means herniated disc, and not all herniated discs require surgery," says Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu, providing the following information: "Only 1-3 percent of lower back and leg pain cases originate from herniated discs requiring surgery. 97-99 percent of herniated discs can be treated with non-surgical methods."

Misconception: If I have herniated disc surgery I will become paralysed

Fact: Neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu notes that 'microsurgical technique' is currently applied in herniated disc treatment, stating, "When this technique is performed correctly, there is no paralysis risk. In the microsurgical method, the disc space is entered to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve tissues. Because the spine's load-bearing and movement capacity is not compromised, patients can walk 3 hours after surgery and can be discharged 4 hours after surgery."

Misconception: I cannot play sports after surgery

Fact: The goal of surgical treatment for herniated discs is to relieve compression of the spinal cord and the nerves emerging from it while preserving many anatomical structures and both the load-bearing and movement functions of the lumbar spine. Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu states that patients can resume their sporting activities from where they left off after herniated disc surgery.

Misconception: Herniated disc surgery causes sexual problems

Fact: "There is a common belief in society that herniated disc surgery negatively affects sexual life. The opposite is true – delays in herniated disc surgery can cause sexual problems and this condition can even progress to loss of bladder and bowel control," warns Prof. Dr. Halit Çavuşoğlu, continuing: "Moreover, contrary to what is believed, there is no need for 3 months of sexual activity restriction after surgery. After the surgical area has healed, that is 2 weeks later, the patient can return to normal life."