Rehabilitation using reflexology and physiotherapy is an essential part of treatment for the full recovery of a patient after the removal of herniated intervertebral discs. The necessity of its implementation is substantiated by long-term observations of patients after the removal of intervertebral hernias who sought help at «Medpraktika Zdorovya».
The most common problems and complaints of patients:
- Low back pain;
- Neuropathic or mixed pain in the leg;
- Recurrence of intervertebral hernias;
- Formation of scars and adhesion process;
- Muscle weakness in limbs (paresis).
Our clinical experience in treating neuropathic and mixed pain after the removal of IVD hernias was presented at the scientific and practical seminar with international participation «Current Issues of Neurovertebrology».
A complex of rehabilitation measures has been developed in our facility, which are implemented step by step.
POSTOPERATIVE REHABILITATION
1. Active postoperative period
Goal: prevention of complications and safe activation of the patient.
- Metered walking;
- Light unloading positions;
- Special exercises;
- Medications according to the individual condition of the patient;
- Electrotherapy / Stimulation and massage in case of foot or hand paresis.
2. Early postoperative rehabilitation (1.5–2 months after surgery)
Involves a combination of modern physiotherapy methods:
- BTL Magnetotherapy — effective for paresis of the foot, hand, and muscle weakness resulting from nerve root compression. Promotes restoration of nerve conduction and reduction of inflammation.
- Acupuncture — used for resistant radicular syndrome. It stimulates the production of endorphins and enkephalins, activates mechanisms of reflex analgesia, and blocks pain impulses. Pharmacopuncture is additionally applied.
- Laser therapy (HILT and LLLT) — has vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. Low-level laser radiation affects cell membranes, activates the immune system, and promotes nerve regeneration.
- BTL Electrotherapy — protocols used: «Neuropathy-paresthesia», «Pain relief», «Stimulation». Electrotherapy affects the posterior horns of the spinal cord, reduces nociceptive impulses, stimulates the release of GABA and serotonin, and improves nerve impulse conduction.
LATE REHABILITATION
Main goals: prevention of hernia recurrence, elimination of neuropathic pain, reduction of muscle tension, and improvement of tissue trophism.
Complex of procedures:
- BTL Electrotherapy;
- BTL Magnetotherapy;
- BTL Aquaphoresis;
- HILT (High-Intensity Laser Therapy);
- Massage;
- Physical therapy (PT).
Protocols used: «Trophism improvement», «Chronic pain — pain relief», «Neuropathy-dysesthesia».
DURATION OF TREATMENT
|
Severity of the case |
Course duration |
|---|---|
|
Standard course |
10–12 days |
|
Moderate severity |
12–15 days |
|
In severe cases |
5-day test course |
Please note: In case of lack of effect, consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended. In some situations, a consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended as early as during the initial appointment.
INDIVIDUAL APPROACH
The number of procedures, their combination, equipment parameters, and treatment duration are determined by a neurologist individually for each patient. We always honestly inform patients about possible scenarios and select the optimal treatment tactics.