A hernia (Hernia Nuclei Pulposi) is the protrusion of the soft core of one or several of your intervertebral discs, causing your nerves to become trapped. A bulge like this is caused by a fracture or weakening of the intervertebral disc. This puts pressure on your nerves or spinal cord. This causes severe pain in one or more of your legs and your (lower) back.The exact cause of a hernia can’t be determined. You can get a hernia as a result of various different factors. For example, you’ve made a wrong movement, you’ve been sitting down for too long or you’ve carried out work which was too strenuous. Other factors which can influence the development of a hernia include:
- Your height. You’re more likely to develop a hernia if you’re tall.
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Being overweight.
- Old age.
- Heredity. The intervertebral vertebrae tissue is already weak at birth.
- Muscle building which is too weak.
A hernia may result in you suffering from:
- Pain in your lower back.
- Radiating pain in one leg or both legs. The pain can extend to your foot. The pain may also be felt in your buttocks.
- A decreased sensation or muscle strength in one leg or both legs.
- Pain when coughing and sneezing.
It’s important to listen to the following advice if you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia:
- Keep moving. This will keep your muscles strong and prevent them from stiffening. Don't overload yourself. Go about your daily activities as normally as possible. You can also request advice from a physiotherapist for the right exercises and movements.
- Take a painkiller in you’re in severe pain. You can take a paracetamol as a basis and supplement it with an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Check the package leaflet for the correct dosage or ask your GP for advice. NSAIDs can have unpleasant side effects. That’s why it’s important to exercise caution when taking these.
- Make sure you are comfortable when you lie down. For example, you can tuck a few pillows under your knees if you’re lying on your back. Are you unable to lie on your back? Then lie on your side and keep your knees bent.
- Turning onto your side.
- Putting your legs over the edge of the bed while your head is still on the bed.
- Pushing yourself up to the side with both arms and then standing up.
Do you suspect you have a hernia? Then call your GP and make an appointment. Have you already been diagnosed with a hernia, but are you experiencing additional symptoms? Then immediately contact your GP or the emergency department (during the weekends) if:
- You can no longer urinate.
- You can no longer hold your urine or stools.
- You’re experiencing numbness in your vagina, penis or anus.
- The strength in your legs is increasingly reduced.
- You are still in bed after a few weeks. Movement is either not possible or very difficult.
- The symptoms haven’t improved after 6 to 8 weeks.
- The pain doesn’t subside after you take painkillers.