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Intervertebral hernia treatment in Germany – is a guarantee of success and full recovery. Medical centers have first-class equipment, thanks to which minimally invasive surgeries can be performed with minimal trauma. When you undergo treatment in Germany, each procedure is monitored by innovative diagnostic equipment.
At the initial stage of development, it is possible to get rid of the pain syndrome and reduce the size of the hernia by conservative treatment, i.e. various medications in combination with a number of physical procedures. As a rule, patients turn to German clinics in more advanced cases, when surgical intervention is required. Munich clinics have developed more than 10 technologies for the treatment of this defect.
Symptoms of intervertebral hernia
Consider several signs that indicate the presence of a pathologic process:
- Depending on the localization of the hernia, pain syndrome can be observed in different parts of the spine: cervical, thoracic or lumbar. The nature of the pain may be different, depending on the exact location of the defect.
- At the site of the defect, there is a slight swelling, with large hernias there is hyperemia of the skin.
- Impaired motor activity, most patients have great difficulty in changing their body position from horizontal to upright.
Also depending on the localization of the hernia may manifest such signs as:
- constant headaches
- urinary problems
- limb numbness
- sharp pain during physical activity
- stool problems.
This diagnosis is often found in combination with associated pathological processes: osteochondrosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, cauda equina syndrome, etc. In order to avoid possible problems, it is necessary to consult a doctor when the first alarming symptoms appear.
Spinal hernia diagnosis in Germany
In German clinics, treatment is carried out only after a full examination of the spine and the specifics of the herniated disc. To begin with, you will have a conversation with a doctor, during which the specialist will find out the alarming symptoms of the disease, perform palpation, and then prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures. Usually required:
- Advanced biochemical blood work.
- MRI of the spine.
- Computerized tomography.
- Study of the spinal cord through ultrasound.
- Electromyography.
- Radiography.
- Myelography.
- Thermography and magnetic resonance neurography.
- Lumbar puncture.
Spinal hernia treatment methods in Germany
If the size of the defect is minimal, conservative therapy is first performed. It consists of medications, physical therapy, therapeutic massage and a number of other physical procedures. If the conducted course does not lead to positive dynamics, in this case, surgical intervention is shown. Let us consider the most common techniques.
Endoscopic microdiscectomy
The essence of surgery is the removal of a part of the intervertebral disc along with the herniated disc. Surgical intervention is performed under general anesthesia. Manipulation is carried out through a microincision of the skin, its length usually does not exceed four centimeters. During the operation, microsurgical devices and a small microscope are used. At the end of the operation, the wound is sutured layer by layer, the next day the patient can get up.
Laser disc reconstruction (LRMD)
A unique technique that is performed at any stage of pathology. The essence is to irradiate the vertebral discs with a laser, the intervention is performed by puncture with a thin needle. The procedure is performed by a highly qualified specialist, the operation requires special care not to hurt the nerve fibers. The process is monitored with an X-ray machine. This technique leads to stimulation of the growth of new cartilage tissue. According to patient feedback, all bothersome symptoms disappear literally immediately after treatment with this technique.
Vertebroplasty
This method is particularly popular in German medical centers. Surgical manipulation is performed under anesthesia, the patient feels absolutely nothing. A thin needle with a kind of catheter is inserted into the damaged vertebra, then it is filled with a cementing agent, which contains acrylic. Half an hour later, the means completely solidifies, the patient can get up, walk independently. Full physical activity is resumed after a couple of weeks.
Laminectomy
The treatment involves the removal of multiple spinal arches. At the patient’s request, anesthesia can be local or general. The purpose of the surgical intervention is to create a free space around the nerve fibers, thus significantly improving blood circulation and normalizing pressure in the area of damaged discs.
Spiral nucleotomy
It is performed only in the initial stages of the pathological process. A small, thin-diameter tube-needle, which acts as a catheter, is inserted into the disc area. In it is introduced spiral thin spokes and carry out rotational movements, thanks to which the spoke captures the smallest particles, when they are released, a space is formed to straighten the nerve root. After two weeks, the patient can start physical therapy and other rehabilitation activities, strictly under the supervision of a specialist.
Endoprosthetics
As a rule, this operation is performed only in neglected cases, when other methods are not able to provide positive dynamics. Surgical intervention is performed under general anesthesia, the entire process is monitored by X-ray. During manipulation, the specialist removes the contents of the damaged intervertebral disc, removes the prolapse, in this place is installed prosthesis. There are different variations of the operation, in some cases it is possible to remove and replace only part of the disc.
How much does it cost to treat intervertebral hernia in Germany?
The approximate cost is shown in the table:
| Diagnosis of intervertebral hernia | from 250 Euros |
| Spiral nucleotomy | from 6000 Euros |
| Endoprosthetics | from 12000 Euros |
| Laminectomy | from 9000 Euros |
| Vertebroplasty | from 16000 Euros |
| Diskectomy and intervertebral disc prosthesis | from 8000 Euros |
| Endoscopic nucleotomy | from 8000 Euros |
| Surgical decompression and discectomy | from 12000 Euros |
Benefits of treatment in Germany
First of all, the great professionalism of doctors should be noted. Every day, specialists with many years of experience perform the most complex spine surgeries without extensive surgical interventions. This allows to significantly shorten the rehabilitation period and reduce the risk of complications. In German centers, the patient is daily monitored by doctors of various narrow areas. The patient feels as comfortable as possible, because almost every clinic has a cozy environment, friendly and polite staff.
Special mention should be made of the latest equipment, which allows doctors to monitor the course of surgical interventions in a 3-4D image on the screen. Among the advantages, patients mention an excellent rehabilitation program. During the stay in inpatient conditions for the patient is a series of physical procedures, gradually involving physical activity. Absolutely all procedures and manipulations are carried out exclusively under the supervision of a specialist. In German medical centers everything is thought out to the smallest detail, even the diet is made up individually.
How to choose the right clinic
There are many centers in Germany that deal with spinal pathologies. You can find several forums with reviews on the Internet, but you should not rely on them, as most of them are written by advertising agencies or professional copywriters. To ease your task in choosing, our company offers its services. We will select not only a clinic, but also a specific specialist, taking into account all your wishes, peculiarities and needs. You have absolutely nothing to worry about, we take care of all the «paperwork», as well as the issue of flight and registration in the clinic. During the examination and hospitalization you will be accompanied by our medical interpreter.
The presence of an intervertebral hernia significantly reduces the quality of life. The longer you ignore its manifestation, the higher the chance of complications that lead to the inability to move independently. Make a step towards health and life without back pain — make an appointment for a consultation with a doctor!