After a herniated disc therapy and diagnostics with spinal catheter possible

Herniated discs are among the most common disorders of the spine. Many sufferers still fear that such a diagnosis could lead to immediate surgery. "But today, depending on the severity of the disease, there are various treatment options available that usually prevent major surgery," says Dr. Reinhard Schneiderhan, orthopedist from Munich and president of the German Spine League. These include, for example, the so-called spinal catheter, through which the doctor injects a personalized medication mix directly to the affected area. Thanks to the further development of so-called epiduroscopy, there is now even the possibility of precisely detecting bottlenecks and their causes by means of a small camera.

Every day, enormous pressure is put on the spine. Like small shock absorbers, discs between the vertebrae provide the necessary relief. However, in some cases, signs of wear, overuse or lack of exercise can cause the discs to cease their task. If the surrounding fiber ring tears and the soft core comes out, experts speak of a herniated disc. Due to the pressure on the surrounding nerves, sufferers usually experience severe pain.

That happens with a herniated disc. Picture: Picture Dwarf - fotolia

If conservative measures such as physiotherapy or injections can no longer provide relief, the decision is often made to use minimally invasive therapies such as the spinal catheter. "Compared to open surgery, these put less stress on the body and thus enable faster symptom-free and shorter recovery times," emphasizes Dr. med. Schneiderhan.

If the decision is made on the spinal catheter, the treating physician guides an elastic, only 1.2 millimeter thin catheter to the painful area between the spinal cord and the spinal canal. If necessary, this procedure allows an extended, accurate diagnosis: With a small camera on top, the doctor gets a look at the anatomical structures of the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. "This spinal cord reflection - also called epiduroscopy - allows us to identify local inflammation, adhesions, scarring or nerve injuries and treat them in the same step," explains Dr. med. Schneiderhan.

Specially tailored to the individual situation, the expert gives painkiller and anti-inflammatory agents through the catheter. As a result, the disc tissue that presses on the nerve shrinks and inflammation fades away. "For a lasting effect, we repeat this injection several times during the short inpatient stay," adds dr. Schneiderhan. Usually patients feel a clear relief after only a few days and after a short time they go back to their usual daily routine.