De tussenwervelschijf drukt tegen de zenuw aan wat pijn veroorzaakt
What is a hernia?
Herniation, which literally means fracture in Latin, refers to the fracture of the outer core of the intervertebral disc. This allows the soft inner core to break out which can cause a painful sensation when touching the nerve. In the past 70% of herniations where treated by surgery. Recent studies have shown that a more conservative treatment, such as mobilisation as used by manual therapy School of Utrecht, have a more effective short and long term results. Nowadays the only reason for an operation is that you can no longer stay in any position for 5 minutes without the pain becoming unbearable.
Improve posture
Bad posture is often the cause of the development of herniation. Posture can force the vertebra in a more flexed position, provoking stress on the intervertebral disc. This may not cause problems for years until soft core starts touching the nerve. In this case, exercise therapy is a very efficient way in order to restore the balance in the back and to prevent the recurrence of the hernia by improving posture.
Manual therapy
Not all forms of manual therapy are effective for the treatment of herniation. For example the high velocity techniques (HVT) often provoke more pain, whereas a gentle mobilization where he patient is slowly rocked back and forth in order to strengthen the tendons running along the spinal column, can not cause harm.
The gentle form of manual therapy, without cracking techniques, offers an excellent alternative for the treatment of a herniated disc. Usually after two treatments there is already a strong improvement. (Reduction of pain and an increase in mobility).
The combination of exercise and manual therapy is most effective in the treatment of herniation. In addition to the soft form of manual therapy we use a specific form of exercise therapy to support your return to health.