How to choose the right hernia repair surgeon. What qualifications should a hernia doctor have. Which factors are crucial when selecting a hernia specialist. How to evaluate a hospital for hernia surgery. What are the different types of hernia repair procedures.

Understanding Hernias and Their Surgical Repair

A hernia is a medical condition where internal organs push through a weakened area of muscle or connective tissue. While hernias can occur in various parts of the body, the most common type requiring surgical intervention is the inguinal hernia. This occurs when a portion of the bowel protrudes through a weak spot in the groin muscles.

For individuals experiencing symptoms from an inguinal hernia, surgical repair becomes necessary. The importance of finding a skilled and experienced hernia repair surgeon cannot be overstated. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when selecting the right doctor for your hernia surgery.

Open vs. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: Which Procedure is Right for You?

When it comes to hernia repair, surgeons typically employ two main approaches: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Each method has its own set of advantages and considerations.

Open Hernia Repair

Open hernia repair involves making a significant incision in the affected area. The surgeon then pushes the protruding organ back into place and reinforces the weakened muscle wall, often using a surgical mesh. This method has been used for many years and is suitable for various types of hernias.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive technique. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, through which they insert a tiny camera and surgical instruments. This method allows the surgeon to repair the hernia from inside the body, with or without using mesh.

Is laparoscopic hernia repair suitable for everyone? Not all hernias can be repaired laparoscopically. Factors such as the size and location of the hernia, as well as the patient’s overall health, determine the most appropriate surgical approach. It’s crucial to discuss your options with your surgeon to determine which method is best for your specific case.

Evaluating a Hernia Surgeon’s Expertise and Experience

When choosing a hernia repair doctor, their level of expertise and experience should be top priorities. Here are some key questions to consider:

• How many hernia repair surgeries has the doctor performed?
• Does the surgeon have experience with both open and laparoscopic techniques?
• What is the surgeon’s success rate for hernia repairs?
• How often does the surgeon need to convert from laparoscopic to open surgery during a procedure?

Why is a surgeon’s experience so crucial? Generally, the more procedures a surgeon has performed, the better the outcomes tend to be. This is particularly true for laparoscopic hernia repair, which requires extensive training and practice to master. A highly experienced surgeon is better equipped to handle unexpected complications and ensure optimal results.

Assessing the Qualifications of Hernia Repair Surgeons

Beyond experience, it’s essential to evaluate a hernia surgeon’s qualifications thoroughly. Here are some key aspects to investigate:

Board Certification

Is board certification important for hernia surgeons? Absolutely. Board certification by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) indicates that a surgeon has met rigorous standards of education, training, and expertise. Since 2009, the ABS has required surgeons to complete the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery program for certification, ensuring proficiency in minimally invasive techniques.

Disciplinary History

Has the surgeon faced any disciplinary actions? You can check your state’s Board of Medicine website to verify a doctor’s active medical license and review any disciplinary records. This information can provide valuable insights into a surgeon’s professional conduct and reputation.

Research and Publications

Has the surgeon contributed to clinical research in hernia repair? A doctor who has published research or participated in clinical studies demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing the field. This involvement often translates to a more comprehensive understanding of the latest techniques and best practices in hernia surgery.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

What do other patients say about the surgeon? While individual experiences can vary, patient reviews on reputable platforms like Healthgrades.com can offer valuable perspectives on a surgeon’s bedside manner, communication skills, and overall patient satisfaction.

Evaluating the Hospital or Surgical Facility

The quality of the facility where your hernia surgery will take place is just as important as the surgeon’s expertise. Consider the following factors:

Hospital Quality Ratings

How does the hospital rank in terms of quality? The Medicare Hospital Compare website provides comprehensive quality ratings for hospitals across the country. These ratings can give you insights into the facility’s overall performance in patient care, safety, and outcomes.

Surgical Volume

How many hernia repair surgeries does the facility perform regularly? Research has shown a correlation between higher surgical volumes and better outcomes for various procedures, including hernia repairs. A high-volume center is more likely to have experienced staff and well-established protocols for hernia surgeries.

To assess a facility’s surgical volume, ask your doctor how it compares to other hospitals in the area. A center that performs a high number of hernia repairs may offer advantages in terms of expertise and resources.

Understanding Surgical Products and Techniques

The materials and techniques used in hernia repair can significantly impact your surgery’s success and long-term outcomes. Here are some important considerations:

Mesh vs. Non-Mesh Repair

Does every hernia repair require surgical mesh? While mesh is commonly used in hernia repairs to reinforce the weakened area, non-mesh techniques are also available for certain types of hernias. Discuss the pros and cons of mesh and non-mesh repairs with your surgeon to determine the best approach for your situation.

Types of Surgical Mesh

If mesh is recommended for your hernia repair, what type will be used? There are various types of surgical mesh available, including synthetic and biologic materials. Each type has its own set of advantages and potential risks. Ask your surgeon about their preferred mesh type and why they believe it’s best suited for your case.

Innovative Techniques

Is the surgeon familiar with the latest advancements in hernia repair? The field of hernia surgery is constantly evolving, with new techniques and technologies emerging. A surgeon who stays current with these developments may be able to offer more advanced or less invasive options for your hernia repair.

Preparing for Your Hernia Surgery Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed down your options for hernia repair surgeons, it’s time to prepare for your consultation. Here are some tips to make the most of your appointment:

1. Prepare a list of questions about the surgeon’s experience, preferred techniques, and expected outcomes.
2. Gather your medical records, including any imaging studies related to your hernia.
3. Be ready to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any previous surgeries.
4. Ask about the recovery process, potential complications, and long-term expectations after surgery.
5. Inquire about the surgeon’s follow-up care protocol and availability for post-operative concerns.

How can you ensure you’re getting all the information you need during the consultation? Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear. A good surgeon will take the time to address all your concerns and ensure you feel comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.

Making Your Final Decision on a Hernia Repair Surgeon

Choosing the right hernia repair surgeon is a crucial step in your journey towards recovery. After gathering all the necessary information, consider the following factors when making your final decision:

• The surgeon’s experience and expertise in hernia repair
• Their qualifications, including board certification and specialized training
• The quality and reputation of the hospital or surgical facility
• Your comfort level and rapport with the surgeon
• The surgeon’s approach to patient care and follow-up
• Any unique aspects of your case that may require specialized skills or techniques

Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to seek second opinions if you’re unsure about a particular surgeon or treatment plan. Your health and well-being should always be the top priority.

By thoroughly researching your options and asking the right questions, you can find a hernia repair surgeon who has the skills, experience, and approach that best aligns with your needs. This careful selection process can significantly contribute to a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.

How to Find the Right Hernia Repair Doctor for Hernia Surgery

A hernia occurs when a muscle or area of connective tissue develops a tear or weak point that allows internal organs to push through it. While hernias can occur in several places throughout the body, when people talk about hernia repair surgery, they’re usually referring to the inguinal type of hernia. This is when a small area of bowel pushes through a weak segment of muscle in the groin. If you have an inguinal hernia that is causing symptoms and requires a surgical repair, finding an experienced hernia repair surgeon should be a top priority. Use these factors to evaluate a hernia repair doctor before you move forward with surgery.

Open or Laparoscopic Hernia Repair?

Inguinal hernias can be repaired two ways: with open surgery and via laparoscopy. Open hernia repair usually involves a significant incision and placement of a surgical mesh product to reinforce the site of the hernia. In laparoscopic hernia repair, the doctor makes several small incisions in the abdomen to insert a lighted scope and surgical instruments to fix the hernia from inside the body, with or without using mesh. Not every hernia can be repaired using the laparoscopic method. Ask your doctor if you qualify for this minimally invasive surgery.

Occasionally, a doctor can begin with a laparoscopic procedure to repair a hernia and need to convert to an open procedure because the hernia turns out to be larger or more complicated than expected. As you evaluate hernia surgeons, ask if they have experience performing both types of surgery.

In general, the more experience the surgeon has performing the procedure you are having, the better your results are likely to be. The surgeon should be able to provide you evidence of performing each type of procedure dozens, if not hundreds, of times. This is especially true of the laparoscopic approach, which requires extensive training and repeated procedures to become proficient.

Choosing a surgeon with advanced expertise in hernia surgery can give you peace of mind that, no matter what the doctor finds, your hernia will be expertly repaired.

Assessing the Qualifications of Hernia Repair Surgeons

You can thoroughly research any doctor’s qualifications to perform hernia surgery. Answer these questions to learn as much as you can about your doctor’s education, training and background:

• Is the doctor board certified? Gastrointestinal surgeons are certified first as general surgeons by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and other medical boards. Since 2009, ABS has required surgeons to complete the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery program in order to certify. You can view the status of any doctor’s board certification at Certification Matters, a service of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Board certification indicates your doctor maintains high standards of care and may be more likely to follow best practices than non-certified doctors.

• Has the doctor been disciplined? Your state’s Board of Medicine website can tell you if a doctor you’re considering has an active medical license and if he or she has been subject to any disciplinary actions.

• Has the doctor published any clinical research regarding hernia repair? Perform an online search of a doctor’s name to discover if he or she has participated in any clinical research or procedure improvement on hernia repair. Contributing to the medical literature reflects a doctor’s intense interest in advancing care in a particular clinical area.

• What do other patients say about the doctor? You can check websites like Healthgrades.com to see what other patients have said about a doctor you’re considering for hernia repair surgery.

Other Factors to Consider Before Hernia Surgery

In addition to evaluating a prospective surgeon, you should consider several factors related to the facility where your surgery will take place and the surgical products that might be used. Ask:

• How does the hospital rank, in terms of quality? Using the Medicare Hospital Compare website, you can review a hospital’s general quality ratings.

• How many hernia repair surgeries are performed at the facility each month? Studies correlate a lower risk of adverse events with high volumes of various types of surgeries, so try to have your surgery at a high-volume facility. You can ask your doctor to rate the hospital’s volume of hernia repair surgeries relative to other hospitals in the area to get a sense of whether your surgery will be performed at a high-volume center. The surgeon’s own procedure volume at the hospital is important too.

• Is hernia mesh safe? If your doctor proposes repairing your hernia with surgical mesh, educate yourself about the safety of these products at the Food and Drug Administration medical devices website.

• Is the doctor affiliated with an in-network facility? Avoid out-of-network deductibles and copays by asking your insurance company if your doctor and the hospital where he or she performs surgery are considered in-network.

With a little online research, you can feel confident in your choice of a hernia repair surgeon and start preparing for surgery and a smooth recovery.

Hernia Repair | Gastroenterology

A hernia is a place where part of an organ pushes through a weak area of the muscle that should hold it in place, affecting both children and adults. There are different types of hernias, depending on what part of the body they occur:

• Inguinal hernia. With an inguinal hernia, intestines or fatty tissue push through a weak spot in the groin, where the upper leg meets the abdomen.
• Umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is a bulge in the muscle of the belly, at the belly button.
• Hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernias happen when the top of the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm (the large muscle between the stomach and chest that helps you breathe).

Not all hernias need to be repaired, especially in infants or toddlers where their umbilical hernia may close on its own. However, in many cases surgery may be required to repair the weakened area. Your doctor may recommend surgical hernia repair:

• If the hernia is painful.
• If the hernia is strangulated. This means the tissue has become trapped or twisted and may not be getting enough blood. A strangulated hernia is dangerous.
• To prevent the hernia from becoming painful or strangulated.

If your hernia does not require surgery right away, your surgeon may recommend:

• Wearing a special device called a truss to hold tissues in place
• Watching and waiting

Hernia Repair Surgery

Surgery to repair hernias are common and usually very successful. There are two types of surgery:

• In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes two or three very small incisions (cuts) near the hernia and reaches it with long, thin tools. A laparoscope (a tiny camera) shows the hernia on a screen.
• In open surgery, the surgeon makes one longer incision over the hernia and opens the skin.

Inguinal hernia – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

A physical exam is usually all that’s needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you’ll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain.

If the diagnosis isn’t readily apparent, your doctor might order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.

Treatment

If your hernia is small and isn’t bothering you, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting. Sometimes, wearing a supportive truss may help relieve symptoms, but check with your doctor first because it’s important that the truss fits properly, and is being used appropriately. In children, the doctor might try applying manual pressure to reduce the bulge before considering surgery.

Enlarging or painful hernias usually require surgery to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications.

There are two general types of hernia operations — open hernia repair and minimally invasive hernia repair.

Open hernia repair

In this procedure, which might be done with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and pushes the protruding tissue back into your abdomen. The surgeon then sews the weakened area, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh (hernioplasty). The opening is then closed with stitches, staples or surgical glue.

After the surgery, you’ll be encouraged to move about as soon as possible, but it might be several weeks before you’re able to resume normal activities.

Minimally invasive hernia repair

In this procedure requiring general anesthesia, the surgeon operates through several small incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon may use laparoscopic or robotic instruments to repair your hernia. Gas is used to inflate your abdomen to make the internal organs easier to see.

A small tube equipped with a tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted into one incision. Guided by the camera, the surgeon inserts tiny instruments through other small incisions to repair the hernia using synthetic mesh.

People who have a minimally invasive repair might have less discomfort and scarring after surgery and a quicker return to normal activities. Long-term results of laparoscopic and open hernia surgeries are comparable.

Minimally invasive hernia surgery allows the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from an earlier hernia repair, so it might be a good choice for people whose hernias recur after open hernia surgery. It also might be a good choice for people with hernias on both sides of the body (bilateral).

As with open surgery, it may be a few weeks before you can get back to your usual activity level.

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Preparing for your appointment

You’ll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including when they started and how they may have changed or worsened over time
• Key personal information, including recent life changes and family medical history
• All medications, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you get.

For an inguinal hernia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatments are available and which one do you recommend for me?
• If I need surgery, what will my recovery be like?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• What can I do to prevent another hernia?

Don’t hesitate to ask other questions you may have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have your symptoms stayed the same or gotten worse?
• Do you have pain in your abdomen or groin? Does anything make the pain feel worse or better?
• What physical activity do you perform on your job? What other physical activities do you regularly engage in?
• Do you have a history of constipation?
• Have you had a previous inguinal hernia?
• Do you or did you smoke? If so, how much?

What you can do in the meantime

Get emergency medical care if you develop nausea, vomiting or fever or if your hernia bulge turns red, purple or dark.

When Should You See a Doctor for Hernia Symptoms?

Did you feel a pop or a tear when straining or lifting something heavy, and now suspect you have a hernia? You are not alone. Hernias are very common and doctors see them all the time.

Some people feel embarrassed by their condition and avoid seeking medical care. Unfortunately, hernias do not go away on their own. Instead of ignoring the issue, it is better to consult a trained health care provider to confirm the problem and discuss your options.

“Watchful Waiting”

Sometimes, hernias are asymptomatic. You may feel a bulge or something moving in and out of the muscle wall, but it doesn’t interfere with your daily life. In this scenario, your doctor may recommend a “watchful waiting” approach, meaning they monitor you instead of treating the hernia immediately. If that is the case, you would want to contact your doctor if you notice a sudden change in your symptoms (e.g., the bulge or lump becomes painful to touch).

Are Symptoms Interfering with Daily Life?

Are you experiencing uncomfortable hernia symptoms such as pain, soreness or tenderness in the affected area, changes in urination or bowel habits or limitations on your everyday activities?

There is no reason to live with unrelenting pain or other symptoms caused by a hernia. Today, doctors can repair hernias using minimally invasive techniques during outpatient surgery. New options and materials have been developed to make surgery less invasive and recovery much easier than it used to be. To minimize the hernia’s impact on your life, you should try to be seen by a doctor fairly soon to discuss treatment.

Is Your Hernia a Medical Emergency?

Some hernias are extremely serious and require immediate medical attention.

If you have a noticeable bulge or protrusion accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever or chills, or if you are unable to have a normal bowel movement, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If your doctor isn’t available right away, go straight to the closest emergency room or call 911.

You could have a strangulated or incarcerated hernia, meaning that a loop of the intestines has gotten caught in the abdominal wall and lost its blood supply. The intestines are at risk of dying and the consequences are life threatening. In these types of cases, you will likely need to have surgery very quickly.

For more information about hernia repair, Dr. Dumanian is here to help. Please contact our Chicago office at (312) 694-2428 today to schedule your visit with Dr. Dumanian.

What You Need To Know About Hernia Treatment

Hernias are a bulge in an organ or your tissue typically located in your intestines or stomach. These are a common medical occurrence that is treatable by a medical professional at All Women’s Care and can often be diagnosed without imaging or lab tests.

A hernia most often occurs when your organ pushes through an opening in a tissue or muscle that is intended to hold it in place. While they are typical in your stomach or intestine, they can also occur in your hips and chest areas. A hernia usually is not a life-threatening medical issue, but they will not go away on their own. Check with your doctor at All Women’s Care as you may need surgery to prevent the hernia from causing dangerous complications to your health.

Hernia Symptoms

The most common symptom of a hernia will be the sign of a lump or bulge in the area where it has developed. If you have an inguinal hernia, you will notice a bump on the side of your pubic bone or where your thigh meets your groin.

An inguinal hernia develops in the abdomen near your groin. These hernias occur when fatty, intestinal tissue pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall close to the left or right inguinal canal. Your inguinal canal is located at the base of your abdomen.

Women and men have an inguinal canal. For women, the inguinal canal is in the passage for the round ligament of the uterus; in men, the testes typically descend through the canal a few weeks before they are born. If a hernia develops in this area, it can be painful and result in a protruding bulge.

Many do not seek medical treatment for these hernias as they are small and often do not present symptoms. If there are symptoms, you will want to consult with your doctor at All Women’s Care to prevent your discomfort and further protrusion.

An inguinal hernia is most apparent by its appearance. It will cause a bulge along your groin or pubic area and increase in size when you cough or stand up. These hernias can become painful or sensitive when touched. Other symptoms of the inguinal hernia include:

–  Pain when you bend over, exercise, or cough

–  Burning sensation where it has developed

–  A sharp pain where the hernia is located

–  A full or heavy feeling in your groin area

–  In men, it can cause swelling in the scrotum

There is no one cause for developing the inguinal hernia, but weak spots in your groin or abdominal muscles can be a significant factor. Any extra pressure in these areas of your body can create a hernia. Other risk factors for developing an inguinal hernia include:

– Having had an inguinal hernia previously

– Heredity

– Being a male

– Premature birth

– Being obese or overweight

– Pregnancy

– Cystic fibrosis

– Chronic cough

– Chronic constipation

An inguinal hernia can either be strangulated, incarcerated, direct, or indirect.

– A strangulated inguinal hernia is a more serious medical condition as it is located in an intestine and cuts off blood flow. A strangulated inguinal  hernia is a life-threatening condition you will need your physician at All Women’s Care to treat medically.

– An incarcerated inguinal hernia occurs when your tissue becomes stuck in the groin area and cannot reduce. The tissue cannot push back into place.

– A direct inguinal hernia often occurs in adults as they get older. It is thought to develop due to the weakening of muscles during adulthood. This form of hernia is more prevalent in men than in women.

– An indirect inguinal hernia is the most common form of hernia and occurs during premature births. These develop before the inguinal canal closes off; however, it can happen at any point during your life. This form of hernia is more common in men.

Your doctor at All Women’s Care can diagnose an inguinal hernia during a general health exam. Typically by coughing, they are able to check for the presence of a hernia, and if reducible, are able to push it back into your abdomen as you lay on your back. If it cannot be pushed back into place, it may be an incarcerated or strangulated inguinal hernia.

Should the hernia be strangulated or incarcerated, your physician may have to perform surgery to repair. These types of surgery have a high success rate when done by an experienced doctor at All Women’s Care.

You may notice the lump at your thigh or groin area disappears when you are lying down. Hernias are more noticeable when you stand, bend over, or while you are coughing. Pain or an uncomfortable sensation in the area may be what alerts you to the hernia’s presence.

Another form of hernia, the hiatal hernia can cause more specific symptoms such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, or chest pain. In most cases, you will experience no symptoms and not even be aware of having a hernia until you have a routine exam by your doctor at All Women’s Care.

A hiatal hernia develops when the top portion of your stomach moves up and through your mid-section and into the region of your chest. Your diaphragm is the large muscle between your chest and your abdomen. It is used to help a person breathe. Your stomach is located below your diaphragm, but if you develop a hiatal hernia, a portion of your stomach pushes through the muscle. The opening it creates is known as the hiatus.

A hiatal hernia is more common in persons over fifty years of age, and affects about sixty percent of that age group by the time they reach sixty years of age. The exact cause is not known, but injury or damage to the muscle tissue is thought to be a possible cause for a person’s stomach to push through their diaphragm.

Other factors that can cause too much pressure to be applied to the muscles around your stomach include:

– Vomiting

– Lifting heavy objects

– Coughing

– Straining while making bowel movements

– Obesity

– Aging

– Smoking

There are people born with an abnormally large hiatus, and this condition can make it easier for the stomach to move through the opening.

There are two types of hiatal hernias:

– Fixed hiatal hernia is not as common and is also called the para esophageal hernia and occurs when part of your stomach pushes through your diaphragm and stays. This type of hernia is not serious in most cases; however, it can restrict blood flow to your stomach. If it restricts blood flow, it could cause serious damage and require emergency medical treatment.

– Sliding hiatal hernia is a more common form of hernia, and happens when your esophagus and stomach slide into and then out of your chest through the hiatus. This form of hernia is typically small and does not present symptoms. These hernias often do not require medical treatment.

It is rare to experience symptoms with hiatal hernias, but if you do, it will most likely happen because of stomach acid, air, or bile entering your esophagus. Symptoms you could experience, include:

– Trouble swallowing

– Belching

– Epigastric pain or chest pains

– Heartburn that increases as you lie down or bend over

Do not assume a hiatal hernia is the cause of your discomforts or chest pains if you are experiencing these types of symptoms. These symptoms can also be a sign of serious heart problems. You need to contact your doctor at All Women’s Care to be tested and determine the exact cause for your pain.

Recovery of Hernia

You should recognize the signs of a hernia, and if you suspect you have one, it should be looked at by your doctor at All Women’s Care to determine whether or not it is causing serious medical conditions. A hernia left untreated will not go away on its own, and your doctor will know the best treatment for it.

There can be life-threatening medical conditions or complications caused by hernias. If you experience symptoms, such as fever, sudden pain, vomiting, or nausea, seek the help of your physician at All Women’s Care to determine the cause and get the necessary medical attention you need.

Lifestyle changes and early medical care can minimize the symptoms of most hernias. There are situations where the surgery will be required to treat these medical conditions effectively. There are a number of different surgeries for the recovery or repair of a hernia, and your doctor at All Women’s Care will be able to find the right solution for you.

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  Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

Umbilical hernia repair surgery is done to repair an umbilical hernia. This form of hernia is when a bulge or pouch appears in your abdomen. It results from a section of your intestine or abdominal cavity tissue pushing through a weak spot in your abdominal wall near your belly button. This form of hernia can occur in adults and children.

Adults can develop a serious condition known as strangulation. Although rare, the hernia can strangle your blood flow to the herniated tissue. This can happen in umbilical hernias that will not reduce, or are not able to be pushed back into your abdominal cavity.

The symptoms surrounding an umbilical hernia, include severe pain, vomiting, and nausea. The area near the umbilical hernia can begin to look blue as though it has been bruised. The contents of this hernia can become nonfunctional and die if they are strangulated. You have to contact your doctor at All Women’s Care immediately if you suspect you have developed a strangulated umbilical hernia.

Surgery will not always be required to repair an umbilical hernia, but if the hernia is causing:

• Severe pain
• More than a half-inch of the area to be affected
• Strangulation

Then the chances are that surgery will be required to repair or remove the hernia.

Umbilical hernias are common in babies. The umbilical cord goes through an opening in an infant’s abdominal muscles while the baby is in the womb. This opening should close right after birth, but if it doesn’t close all the way, a weak spot develops. This weak spot makes the baby more susceptible to an umbilical hernia.

In babies, an umbilical hernia develops when they are born and can push the belly button out. This form of hernia in a newborn almost always heals without the need for surgery. Surgery is only suggested if the hernia does not disappear by the time the child reaches age three or four, or if the hernia begins to restrict blood flow or cause pain.

In adults, the umbilical hernia can occur if there is excess fluid in your abdominal cavity, you’ve had previous abdominal surgery, or you have chronic peritoneal dialysis. These hernias are also common in women who are overweight or have recently been pregnant. If you’ve had multiple pregnancies, you are at a higher risk for an umbilical hernia.

If you develop an umbilical hernia as an adult, it is unlikely to go away. These forms of hernias typically continue to grow, and over time will require a surgical repair. Risks of surgically repairing an umbilical hernia are low; however, as with any form of surgery, there are possible complications that can arise, such as:

• Blood clots
• Reaction to the anesthesia
• Infection
• Injury to intra-abdominal structures including the small intestine

Umbilical hernia repair surgery is typically performed with general anesthesia. With this form of anesthesia, you will be asleep and will not experience any pain. You can talk to your doctor at All Women’s Care about choices of anesthesia, such as using a spinal block rather than general anesthesia.

If you choose a spinal block, it is an anesthetic drug that is placed around your spinal cord and numbs the area in your abdomen being repaired. You will not fully be asleep with a spinal block, but you are given pain relievers and sedation medicines to make you comfortable during the procedure.

To reduce your risk of bleeding during the surgery, you will be asked to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin several days before your scheduled surgery. You will also be asked to fast for at least six hours before your appointment. Your physician may give additional instructions at All Women’s Care as to what precautions to take and what to expect during your procedure.

There are two methods used in an umbilical hernia repair surgery:

• Open hernia repair involves the surgeon making an incision close to your belly button so they can access the hernia over the bulge.
• Laparoscopic hernia repair is a less invasive procedure and allows the surgeon to make smaller incisions near the hernia bulge. A thin, long tube with a lighted camera is attached to the end of the tube and inserted into one of the incisions. This tube will allow your doctor to look inside your abdominal cavity with the image being sent to a video screen.

Either choice of surgery, the open or the laparoscopic, has the same goal. The surgeon will gently place your bulging intestine or other tissue back through the hole in your abdominal wall. The hole is then sewn closed. There are times when a synthetic mesh is needed to be inserted into the abdominal wall to strengthen the area.

Most umbilical hernia repairs are performed in the outpatient care, and you should be allowed to go home the same day as the procedure. The medical staff at All Women’s Care will closely monitor your breathing, temperature, blood pressure, oxygenation, and heart rate until you are fully awake.

You may be sent home with pain relief medications and instructions on how to keep your stitches dry and clean. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess your healing process, but most people are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks following the surgery.

Hernia repair surgery has an excellent prognosis but can depend on the type of hernia you have and your overall health. There are cases where the hernia will reoccur following a repair.

The Cause of Hernias

A hernia can be caused by strain or muscle weakness. Depending on the cause of the hernia, it can develop over a long period of time, or it can develop quickly. Some of the common reasons for a person to develop a hernia include:

• Age
• A congenital condition which occurs during a babies development in the womb
• COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) or a chronic cough
• Damage which occurred during a surgery or an injury
• Becoming pregnant or having multiple pregnancies
• Lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise
• Constipation or straining to perform a bowel movement
• Ascites or fluid in the abdomen
• Obesity or being overweight

Other factors that can result in the development of a hernia, include:

• Being old
• Being pregnant
• Personal family history of hernias
• Chronic constipation
• Smoking (weakens the connective tissue of your body)
• Cystic fibrosis

How a Doctor Diagnosis a Hernia

Your doctor at All Women’s Care can diagnose a hernia through a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor feels for any bulges in your groin or abdominal area that become larger when you cough, strain, or stand. There are also a number of medical questions asked regarding your health history:

• When did the bulge first appear?
• Are there any other symptoms?
• Are you aware of any specific events that could have caused the hernia?
• What is your lifestyle, such as what tasks are performed in your work, do you exercise, and how?
• Are you a smoker?
• Does your family have a history of developing hernias?
• Have you had type of surgery in your groin or abdomen areas?

Once these questions are asked, and the initial exam has been done, there may be some imaging tests needed to help your doctor diagnosis hernia, such as:

A CT scan or computed tomography scan is a form of specialized X-ray. It provides a cross-sectional image of a specific area of your body. During a CT scan, a machine circles your body and sends an image to a computer, where a technician can view it.

With a CT scan, your doctor can see blood vessels, organs, and bones in your abdominal cavity, and through multiple images, get different views of your insides.

An abdominal ultrasound will use a high-frequency sound wave to catch images and videos on your insides. These ultrasounds allow your doctor to see the structures and organs inside of your abdomen. An abdominal ultrasound is a painless and safe procedure and has become increasingly popular for diagnosis by medical professionals.

An MRI Scan or magnetic resonance imaging is noninvasive testing that uses radio waves and magnets to create an image of the inside of your body. It will create a cross-sectional image of your abdomen, so your doctor can look for abnormalities in your organs or tissues. There are no incisions used during this type of scan.

If your hernia is determined to be growing larger or causing you pain, it may be best to operate and remove or repair it. Your doctor at All Women’s Care will discuss your options and look at either an open or laparoscopic form of surgery. Not all hernias are suitable for laparoscopic procedures and will be discussed with you after an exam of your overall health, and the type of hernia you have developed.

After a hernia surgery or repair, you may experience pain around the site that was treated. Typically there is a pain relief medication sent home with you to ease these symptoms. You will need to follow your doctor’s instructions for care of the surgical area, and if any sign of infection is noticed, you will need to return to All Women’s Care right away.

Where Can I Receive Hernia Treatment Near Me?

If you have noticed a bulge or growth and are concerned you may have developed a hernia, call All Women’s Care at 213-250-9461. We are committed to the health needs of all women and will provide you with the best possible experience through state-of-the-art care. Hernias can become a medical emergency, but with early detection and treatment, we can help you resolve these conditions before they become painful or life-threatening. Call us today and schedule an appointment so we can provide a diagnosis and plan to keep you healthy.

Dealing with a Hiatal Hernia

posted: Jul. 15, 2019.

A hiatal hernia is when the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm. Some people don’t even now that they have a hiatal hernia because it doesn’t always produce symptoms; however, some people find out that they have a hiatal hernia once they are dealing with persistent heartburn and indigestion. These symptoms are more likely to occur because a hernia makes it easier for the acids within the stomach to travel back up through the esophagus, which results in heartburn.

In most cases, self-care treatments and medications are enough to alleviate the symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia; however, if the hernia is large then the patient may require surgery. If you are dealing with persistent or severe indigestion and heartburn there are many reasons why this may be happening. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a hiatal hernia it’s a good idea to see a gastroenterologist to find out what may be causing your acid reflux.

How to Treat a Hiatal Hernia 

Before treating a hiatal hernia your gastroenterologist will need to diagnose your condition first. There are several tests that can determine whether you may have a hernia. These tests include a barium swallow, an endoscopy and a pH test. Once your GI doctor has determined that you have a hiatal hernia the next step is to create a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

Again, there are a lot of people with hiatal hernias that don’t even know it because they aren’t experiencing symptoms. If your hernia isn’t causing you problems then treatment is rarely necessary. If you are dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as a result of your hiatal hernia then there are some lifestyle modifications you can make to reduce your symptoms. These changes include:

• Eating smaller meals
• Losing excess weight if you are overweight
• Avoiding citrus, acidic, and spicy foods
• Limiting fried, fatty goods
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Eating about 3-4 hours before bed or lying down
• Elevating your head six inches above the rest of your body while sleeping
• Avoiding tight clothes, which can put too much pressure on your stomach

You may even choose to take an over-the-counter antacid after eating to reduce stomach acid. Of course, these over-the-counter medications shouldn’t be taken for more than two weeks. You gastroenterologist can also prescribe a stronger antacid that you will be able to take whenever you need it to neutralize stomach acid or to block acid altogether.

Hiatal Hernia Surgery 

Surgery for a hiatal hernia is not often necessary; however, if you’ve been dealing with severe reflux that isn’t alleviated with lifestyle changes or medications then surgery may be the only option. If blood flow to the part of the stomach that is sticking through the esophagus is cut off, then surgery will also be required.

If you are dealing with persistent acid reflux and indigestion it’s important to talk with your gastroenterologist to find out if a hiatal hernia could be to blame.

What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia, and How Is It Diagnosed?

A hernia diagnosis is typically based on your history of symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly imaging tests.

External hernias can often be found in a physical exam at your doctor’s office, since they typically cause a bulge that is visible or can be felt in certain situations. Checking for an inguinal hernia is a standard part of a physical exam for men. (1)

During your exam, your doctor will typically feel around your groin and testicles, and ask you to cough. This is done because standing and coughing or straining usually make a hernia more prominent.

If your doctor suspects that you have an inguinal or other external hernia but can’t be sure based on a physical exam alone, you may be asked to undergo an imaging test. (2)

Common imaging to diagnose a hernia includes these tests:

Ultrasound Your doctor may recommend this test if you’re a woman to rule out causes of pain related to your reproductive system, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids. Men might have an ultrasound to assess for inguinal or scrotal hernias.

This test uses sound waves to create images of your abdomen and pelvic organs. (6)

Computer Tomography (CT) Scan Your doctor may order this test to rule out other conditions that can cause abdominal pain and swelling.

CT scans use X-rays to create images of your abdomen and its organs, and they may involve having a contrast dye injected into your arm.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Your doctor may order this test if your pain gets worse when you exercise, since physical activity can initially cause a hernia with no bulge in some people.

An MRI scan can detect a tear in your abdominal muscles even when no bulge is present.

This test uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create images of your abdomen and its organs, and it may also involve having a contrast dye injected into your arm.

If your doctor believes that your hernia may have developed a complication — such as becoming trapped or having its blood supply cut off — then you may undergo imaging tests as well as blood tests to look for signs of infection. (7)

90,000 What is an intervertebral hernia and how to treat it

Herniated disc is a protrusion of the intervertebral disc. In a normal state, the intervertebral disc is a cushioning pad between the vertebrae flattened on both sides, which is held by the ligaments of the spine. Due to age-related changes, trauma and chronic diseases, the disc tissue can become thinner, the ligaments can weaken, which leads to the protrusion of the disc.

An intervertebral hernia, regardless of its shape, is manifested by the following symptoms:

• back pain, aggravated by exertion;
• a feeling of tension in individual muscles of the back;
• muscle weakness;
• violation of urination and defecation;
• dizziness and headaches;
• numbness of the tips of the fingers or parts of the hands and feet.

In the absence of competent treatment, the hernia passes from one stage to another, increasing in size, which ultimately can lead to disability and the need for surgical intervention.

Which doctor should I contact with a herniated disc?

If you suspect a herniated disc, you should consult an orthopedist or neurologist. Depending on the causes and neglect of the condition, the doctor may refer you to a consultation with a vertebrologist or neurosurgeon.

Why you should contact Scandinavia’s doctors

Patients with herniated discs choose the Scandinavia clinic because:

• we have orthopedists and neurologists with more than 5 years of experience, who can choose an effective conservative treatment without surgery;
• the clinic is equipped with modern X-ray machines and tomographs, which allows examinations to be carried out in one place.

For patients who are indicated for an operation to remove a hernia, we have equipped a comfortable hospital with TV, Wi-Fi in the clinic, and soft sofas.

How is the first consultation with a specialist going?

Previously, the doctor collects anamnesis, complaints and history of the disease: he specifies when back pains appeared, whether there is numbness in the arms / legs, what is the work activity associated with. After that, the specialist conducts a neurological examination: he checks the sensitivity of the arms and legs, probes the muscles of the back and neck for pain.

Diagnosis of intervertebral hernia

Basic hardware methods for diagnosing a hernia:

• X-ray of the spine. Allows you to detect deformation and suspect protrusion of the discs.
• CT and MRI of the spine. They allow you to study the detailed structure of the spine, that is, to accurately determine the location and size of the hernia.

Methods for the treatment of intervertebral hernia in “Scandinavia”

In most cases, our doctors manage to cure patients without surgery using the following methods.

• Back and neck massage.
• Physiotherapy.
• Physiotherapy, including acupuncture.
• Medication with muscle relaxants to reduce muscle tension.
• Injection techniques, various kinds of drug blockade.

In advanced cases, the doctor may prescribe the removal of the hernia. Our clinic is equipped with endoscopic devices, which allows us to perform operations through a puncture on the skin, that is, as efficiently, quickly and painlessly as possible.

You can make an appointment with a traumatologist at the Scandinavia clinic by calling our hotline: +7 (812) 600-77-77

Which doctor should I go to when a hernia of the spine is pinched

Neurologists of Moscow – latest reviews

Immeasurably grateful for the relief of back pain.At the very first visit, the doctor put a blockade on me, warning me that this was a temporary measure and that my back needed to be treated. I received an appointment for treatment, and I plan to return to him for it.

Moderation,

September 21, 2021

The doctor is friendly and responsible.I visit this specialist once every two weeks, a month. First of all, she made a blockade, came with pain in the kneecap. Irina Nikolaevna explained to me that first you need to remove the inflammation, and only then start treatment. Now I go, very pleased with the reception. The treatment turned out to be quite good.

Moderation,

September 21, 2021

An attentive doctor, it is clear that he is a professional.Evgeny Nikolaevich listened to my complaints, carried out an initial diagnosis and ordered a study. The doctor immediately recommended to carry out the procedure in the form of a dropper, gave directions for the necessary tests and gave recommendations, devoted enough time. I was pleased with the reception and will contact this specialist again.

Moderation,

September 21, 2021

I made an appointment at the clinic to see Dr. Kazaryan with my flat feet.The diagnosis, when I was already on the way, was not assigned an additional examination. The doctor just examined and confirmed. The treatment was of high quality, a number of procedures and supportive therapy were prescribed, a manufacturer of orthopedic products was recommended. The impression from communicating with the doctor is only positive. Attentive and polite, educated.

Diana,

September 20, 2021

The doctor is good, at the reception he consulted me, explained everything in an accessible way and gave his recommendations for my further actions.The doctor deeply approached my question, gave good advice. I was satisfied. If necessary, I will turn to Mikhail Alexandrovich again.

Alexander,

September 17, 2021

Impressed by the doctor’s approach.Thorough examination and questioning of the patient, and not a simple familiarization with pieces of paper. I came to the doctor with pain in the spine, left with a clear mindset for recovery. Of course, the way to him will not be fast, but the doctor gave me hope. I am on treatment, there are improvements.

Nina,

September 16, 2021

The doctor is a professional in his field, attentive to his patients.I came after a knee injury. At the reception, Ibrahim Muradovich looked, prescribed the pictures, because I had old ones from last year, to get tested, recommended to reduce physical activity on my leg. Come for a second appointment with the results. The doctor told me a lot.

Natalia,

September 15, 2021

A very good, kind doctor.At the reception Natalya Anatolyevna examined, explained what problems I have. Based on the CT results, she diagnosed me and prescribed treatment. After I have been treated, I will again go to another appointment, for a check. The doctor spoke very politely, took enough time.

Helena,

September 14, 2021

I liked everything.Igor Nikolayevich explained what I needed to do next, suggested where to go elsewhere. The specialist is kind, understanding, attentive. Explains everything in an accessible and understandable language. The doctor helped in solving my issue.

Natalia,

09 September 2021

The doctor gave me confidence.Back pain brought him to the appointment. Alexey Borisovich listened carefully, looked at my back, confirmed my fears and prescribed treatment. I made an appointment for a second appointment, I liked the doctor.

Alexandra,

August 10, 2021

Show 10 reviews of 16,202 90,000 Which doctor should I go to for back pain? To the vertebrologist!

In this case, the painful sensations can be constant or arise unexpectedly, accidentally.Back pain is generally more common with age.

Listening to pain, we ask ourselves two questions: should we seek medical help and which doctor?

If you are experiencing back pain, it is better to entrust their treatment to a vertebro-neurologist – a specialist who is trained as a neurologist and chiropractor.

The vertebroneurologist will prescribe an examination with the help of which the true cause of the disease will be established. The most common ones:

• herniated discs
• degenerative changes in the intervertebral joints – spondyloarthrosis
• curvature of the spine – kyphosis, scoliosis, kyphosis
• degenerative damage to intervertebral discs – spinal osteochondrosis
• deformity of the vertebrae due to the growth of bone tissue – spondylosis
• respiratory diseases
• endocrine diseases
• kidney disease
• tumors of various etiology
• as well as other pathological processes of soft tissues, blood vessels and internal organs.

Back pain treated by a neurologist does not occur on its own. There are factors provoking its appearance.

• infections
• hypothermia
• uncomfortable position for a long time
• weight lifting
• injury.

At the first appearance of painful sensations in the back, few people attach great importance to this. Indeed, in some cases, the pain can go away irrevocably.Unfortunately, most often she declares herself again after a short time.

Compliance with simple recommendations reduces the risk of back pain. Required:

• maintain correct posture
• sleep on an orthopedic mattress
• do not stay in one position for a long time
• do not turn or tilt sharply
• wear comfortable shoes
• to engage in physiotherapy exercises or sports
• to monitor body weight
• do not lift heavy objects.

If you periodically feel back pain during physical exertion or exertion – seek advice from an experienced doctor of our clinic, who knows the techniques of manual therapy and will provide timely qualified assistance!

90,000 ⚕ Which doctor treats the back and spine

Initial visit to a physician

If you have a question about which doctor treats your back effectively, quickly and safely, first of all you need to contact a therapist.After the initial examination and examination, the doctor will refer you to a narrow specialist who is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases of the back, spinal column or internal organs. To exclude pathologies from the kidneys and urinary system, consultations with a nephrologist and urologist may be prescribed.

Vertebrologist is a back doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of spinal diseases. Most often, a vertebrologist is approached with problems of intervertebral discs, posture disorders, scoliotic changes in the spine, instability of segments and functional changes in the spinal column.

The vertebrologist seeks to select the most optimal option for non-surgical treatment of the spinal column. The success of the conservative treatment, or the determination of objective indications for surgery, depends on the qualifications and experience of the vertebrologist.

Related Spine Specialists

Treatment of the spine and a number of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is carried out by a neuropathologist, chiropractor, orthopedist or osteopath.

Back pain can manifest itself in the symptoms of a number of neurological pathologies.The main task of a neurologist is to exclude malignant tumors (vertebral tumors, myeloma, etc.), traumatic pain, metabolic disorders (osteoporosis), and some infectious diseases.

Neuropathologist must take into account pathologies that may represent a reflection of back pain, and manifested in diseases of the heart and blood vessels (pericarditis, infarction, coronary heart disease, aortic aneurysm), pathologies of the respiratory system (pneumonia, pleurisy), diseases of internal organs and urinary tract (peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis), infectious diseases (infective endocarditis, shingles).

Chiropractor in the treatment of diseases of the back and spine uses methods of alternative medicine, excluding the use of pharmacological drugs. In manual therapy, various methods of spinal health restoration are used: massage techniques of stretching, shock-wave action, post-isometric relaxation, reflexology, etc.

Using various methods, a chiropractor can correct displaced vertebrae, reduce tissue protrusion in intervertebral hernia, remove chronic headaches in osteochondrosis and brain injuries, pain in lumbodynia.Manual therapy helps to remove neurological disorders associated with compression of spinal nerves, relieve / cure conditions in myalgia and myositis, deforming arthrosis, spondyloarthritis, stenosis of the central spinal canal, radiculopathy and other pathological conditions.

Orthopedist diagnoses and treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system, considers the problems of the development of the musculoskeletal system, congenital pathologies, injuries, as well as complications caused by infections.Orthopedic doctors often treat post-traumatic conditions, occupational diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system.

Osteopathic doctor considers the disease in close connection with all organs and systems of the body. Its treatment is based on soft manipulations (palpation) with the bones of the skull, spine, coccygeal bone, on the restoration of blood and lymph flow, getting rid of clamps, adhesions, displacement of internal organs, normalization and tone of muscle tissues.

Traumatologist deals with the treatment of sprains and injuries resulting from sudden movements, significant physical exertion or other influences.

This article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can be harmful to your health.

90,000 Which doctor should I contact for a herniated disc

When there is an intervertebral hernia of the lumbar spine, which doctor to go to, few know.Everyone usually goes first to a therapist, tells him their symptoms, and the doctor redirects them to a specialized specialist. As a rule, people with intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine are referred by the doctor first to an orthopedist.

Hernia of the spine: who to contact

Orthopedists treat disorders in the musculoskeletal system and the spine. People with herniated discs from a general practitioner usually come with an X-ray image and certain clinical studies in the form of urine and blood tests.all this simplifies the diagnosis.

When an intervertebral hernia develops, symptoms everyone should know which doctor to go to, and it is better to go to an orthopedist without wasting time. The specialist conducts a survey, paying attention to the localization of pain and finds out when they first appeared and after what. The doctor determines the nature of the symptoms, which may be persistent or occur periodically.

To confirm the diagnosis, an orthopedist often prescribes an ultrasound or MRI scan, after which he makes a final diagnosis and determines a therapy plan.It usually includes:

• Drug therapy;
• Massage course;
• Physiotherapy procedures;
• Physiotherapy exercises.

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Additional complaints are taken into account as they help to get a more complete picture. When examining a hernia of the spine, the doctor conducts percussion and palpation examinations, determines the presence / absence of abnormal neurological reflexes.

Read also

Which doctor treats herniated disc

The orthopedist, after examining the patient, can tell in case of a hernia of the spine which doctor to go to next. This could be a neurologist, rheumatologist, chiropractor, physical therapist, or neurosurgeon.

In some cases, the therapist, who determines which doctor to consult with a hernia of the spine, refers the patient not to an orthopedist, but to a neurologist. This is due to the fact that many pathologies of the spine are associated with disorders of the nervous system.The neurologist conducts an examination and carries out special diagnostics with the help of a manual examination and the use of special devices (hammer, needles, etc.). Delaying a visit to a specialist is fraught with the consequences of an intervertebral hernia.

At the first examination, the patient is given a preliminary diagnosis and appropriate examinations in the form of computed tomography, X-ray or MRI are prescribed, as well as sent for tests. An ordinary neurologist may refer you to a vertebral neurologist who specializes in the treatment of vertebral diseases.

In severe cases, with intervertebral hernia of the thoracic region, which doctor to go to, the neurologist redirects to the neurosurgeon. This is required when a surgical operation is required.

90,000 Which doctor treats a hernia of the spine: who to contact …

Herniated disc is a serious disease. And it necessarily requires treatment.

Otherwise, you can get a lot of health problems – some of them may not even be directly related to the spine, since the spinal cord is located inside the spinal column, which controls most of the organs.And as a result of the formation of a hernia, he can be impaired.

But which doctor treats a hernia of the spine? Who should you go to for help? Indeed, a large number of doctors of various specialties work in hospitals now, and sometimes you don’t even know who you need to make an appointment with.

When do you need help?

At the first signs of the development of an intervertebral hernia, you need to immediately seek help – you should not try to heal itself or let everything go by itself.This can lead to serious health problems.

What you need to know about intervertebral hernia

Intervertebral hernia is a disease associated with a violation of the integrity of the annulus fibrosus.

This is one of the elements of the intervertebral disc, which is a small fibro-cartilaginous formation that acts as a kind of shock absorber, and is located between two adjacent vertebrae.

Inside, the disc has a soft core, which, when the fibrous membrane is damaged, shifts, protrudes – this is how an intervertebral hernia forms.

Note! Most often, a hernia develops in the lumbosacral region, but it can appear in almost any part of the spine.

Anatomy of a normal intervertebral disc

Signs of the development of an intervertebral hernia are:

• strong pain in a certain place of the spine;
• limb numbness;
• Creepy feeling;
• decreased performance;
• weakness;
• difficulty of movement.

Symptoms of a hernia between the vertebrae may differ depending on where the pathology is located. The disease can also be accompanied by headaches, involuntary urination, problems with other organs inside the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc. self-medication. The fact is that a number of the above symptoms can accompany other pathologies.Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is made, the sooner the correct treatment can begin, which will be successful.

Be sure to see a doctor

Which doctor should you go to?

Having felt the first signs of the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, a person who cares about their health decides to visit a specialist. But a natural question arises – which specialist should I go to? To someone who is directly involved in the musculoskeletal system, to a neurologist or, perhaps, to a therapist?

Herniated disc

A specialist who will directly deal with the treatment of herniated discs must have certain skills and abilities, as well as relevant knowledge.

It is also required to undergo a number of examinations using sophisticated equipment. In general, the treatment of an intervertebral hernia is rather complicated. Based on this, it can be noted that one person is unlikely to cope.

Thus, several specialists will have to visit.

The first thing to do in any case is to go to a therapist. Symptoms may not always indicate the development of an intervertebral hernia. A physician-therapist is a general practitioner; after examining the patient, he will be able to give referrals to other doctors of narrow specialization, that is, he will coordinate the patient’s further actions.

Physician-therapist

At the reception, the therapist usually immediately asks the reason for the visit, finds out the patient’s complaints, examines him. Then he directs him to take the necessary tests – this can be a general blood test, biochemistry, urinalysis, etc. After that, usually the field of diagnosis is significantly narrowed and the doctor already writes out referrals to a narrow specialist who will deal with the treatment directly.

Note! The therapist will also observe the dynamics of the patient’s treatment.

Traumatologist

In some cases, the therapist can send the patient to the traumatologist. But this usually only happens in small towns and clinics, due to insufficient staffing of hospitals.

The necessary doctor may simply not be in the clinic, and then the traumatologist will deal with the treatment.

He understands diseases of the musculoskeletal system (including the main support of a person – the spine) no worse than other doctors who specialize only in diseases of the spinal column.

At an appointment with a traumatologist

Neuropathologist and neurologist

Doctors of these specialties can also help a patient with an intervertebral hernia. And the direction from the therapist to them is quite logically justified. So, an intervertebral hernia can seriously disrupt the work of the spinal cord and its nerve endings, and this is precisely the sphere of work of a neuropathologist and neurologist.

At a neurologist

Note! Most often, the treatment of intervertebral hernia is generally not complete without these doctors.

The neuropathologist checks if there are any pinched nerves, if the blood circulation in the affected area is correct. He is also able to identify the cause of the hernia. This doctor provides mandatory advice if a surgical intervention is necessary.

A neurologist is able to make a final diagnosis, to determine the degree of damage to the spinal disc. The doctor will prescribe treatment based on a previous diagnosis.

Surgeon

If the patient receives a referral to the surgeon, then most likely the disease has already reached a serious stage.Only in rare cases, it does not imply surgical intervention. The surgeon also prescribes an examination and may recommend a certain therapy before the operation itself – if it does not give results, then the operation cannot be avoided.

Note! Small intervertebral hernias can be treated conservatively. But a constantly recurrent or large one will have to be treated with an operation.

At the reception, surgeons determine whether an operation is really needed, they carry out it directly after preliminary preparation, then they lead the patient and control the final results of the intervention.After the operation, the doctor will prescribe rehabilitation measures. The patient comes to the surgeon only after visiting other doctors.

Appointment with an orthopedist and spine specialist

An orthopedist is directly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, that is, the spine as well.

As a rule, at the time of visiting this doctor’s office, the patient already has the results of the necessary tests and examinations on hand.

But, nevertheless, the orthopedist himself interrogates the patient to determine the exact time of onset and location of pain, conducts a palpation examination, tries to identify problems with neurological reflexes.

Note! To make an accurate diagnosis, a herniated disc must undergo an MRI scan and an x-ray.

Appointment with an orthopedist and spine specialist

The orthopedist is directly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, that is, the spine, including. As a rule, at the time of visiting this doctor’s office, the patient already has the results of the necessary tests and examinations on hand.But, nevertheless, the orthopedist himself interrogates the patient to determine the exact time of onset and location of pain, conducts a palpation examination, tries to identify problems with neurological reflexes.

Note! To make an accurate diagnosis, a herniated disc must undergo an MRI scan and an x-ray.

At the junction of orthopedics, surgery and neurology, a definite medical specialty has now emerged – a spine specialist.It is this narrow specialist who deals with the treatment of the spinal column. It is not possible to find it in every clinic. But if there is a possibility, then you should definitely go to an appointment with him.

Which doctor treats a hernia of the spine: neuropathologist, surgeon, therapist

Hernia of the spine is a serious disease that requires timely therapy.

Many people do not know which doctor to consult, and usually self-medicate, which in most cases leads to severe complications of the pathology.

Therefore, the first step is to start with a visit to a therapist, who, if necessary, will recommend a specialist who deals exclusively with problems with the spine.

When should I see a doctor?

It is best if a person seeks help from a specialized doctor in the early stages of the development of pathology.

Back pain, even if intense, is ignored by many people. The initial period of the development of an intervertebral hernia will be accompanied by intermittent, dull pain at the site of the lesion.

With the progression of the disease, a feeling of stiffness of movements, constant muscle tension will increase. Patients often have paresthesias (a feeling of “crawling” and tingling), numbness and weakness of the leg muscles (a characteristic sign of a hernia of the lumbar spine).

If any of the listed symptoms is present, you urgently need to consult a specialist.

Which doctor should treat a hernia of the spine?

A person first comes to this doctor for consultation.The therapist conducts an examination, interviews the patient, finds out the complaints and prescribes the appropriate tests and research methods. Based on the data received, the doctor will establish or confirm the diagnosis. And also in the competence of the therapist – to prescribe drugs to alleviate the condition, and refer the patient to a doctor of narrow specialization.

Physician of physical therapy

Doctor of Exercise therapy takes part in the treatment of intervertebral hernia through:

• Conducting an initial examination and identifying his state of health, as well as the severity of the pathological process, if any.
• Consulting the patient and monitoring compliance with the training regimen, and attendance at them.
• Recommendations for doing exercises at home on your own.
• Tips for additional workouts in the pool or gym.

Physicians of physiotherapy exercises determine an adequate set of exercises that will help improve the patient’s condition with a spinal hernia, eliminate pain and normalize the mobility of the spinal column.

During the selection of gymnastics, it is necessary to take into account the sex and age of the patient, whether he has other pathological processes.The doctor is always present when performing a set of exercises, controls the correctness of their performance and the patient’s condition.

When a herniated disc is treated, the course of remedial gymnastics is key.

Traumatologist and vertebrologist (orthopedist)

These specialists play a leading role in the treatment of patients with spinal hernia. The doctor who performed the initial examination of the patient most often refers the patient to an orthopedist, but if he is not in the city, then for further examination to a traumatologist.The competence of these doctors is to determine the localization of pathological education. This is achieved by collecting an anamnesis of the disease, evaluating previously made analyzes and the results of instrumental research methods (CT, MRI). Further, depending on the data received, adequate treatment or referral to another doctor is prescribed.

Chiropractor

Massage plays an important role in the treatment of intervertebral hernia, however, with such a dangerous and complex disease as a hernia of the spine, you cannot perform the manipulation yourself, especially if the pathological process has affected the lumbar spine.

Traumatologist

If there is a hernia of the spine, the general practitioner (therapist) can also refer to such a specialist as a traumatologist. This practice is common in small towns where there is a shortage of narrow specialists. A person may go to him with suspicion of different types of disorders, and especially often – if the origin of pain and other symptoms is directly related to the trauma.

Often, a sharp jerk when lifting weights, a sports injury, a turn in an uncomfortable position and other fast movements, leading to an increase in an already developing disease, has a negative effect.Therefore, if we talk about which doctor to turn to in case of injuries, in most cases it will be just a traumatologist.

Which doctor treats a hernia of the spine

Hernia of the spine is a great danger to human health. It has a number of serious complications. If you start treatment on time, you can achieve a positive result in therapy. Everyone needs to know which doctor is treating a hernia of the spine. Most often, a hernia occurs in the lumbar region. Correct and effective therapy will help prevent further disc destruction.

Main causes

The causes of hernia can be various spinal injuries. Physical stress also affects the development of the disease. The disease can occur not only in the elderly, but also in young people.

A spinal hernia occurs for the following reasons:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• lack of essential vitamins;
• Incorrect posture;
• bruises and injuries of the vertebrae;
• consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products;
• physical overvoltage;
• scoliosis;
• obesity;
• heredity.

If you do not start treatment on time, it will lead to serious complications. Most often, women suffer from the disease. It happens that you have to carry out an operation if drug therapy does not give any results. In old age, the intervertebral discs become inelastic, which is why this disease occurs. If minor symptoms of back pain become noticeable, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disc always appear as pain in the back.At first, they bother immediately after waking up, but then the patient can feel how his pain covers when turning or bending. The pain syndrome may be mild at first when walking.

Most often, the pain begins to radiate to the leg and grow numb. Coughing or sneezing may increase the sensation. Then the patient practically does not get out of bed and the pain is unbearable. If a hernia occurs in the cervical spine, the patient feels the following symptoms: weakness, insomnia, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, numbness of the hands, ringing in the ears, high blood pressure.

In no case, the symptoms can not be ignored, it can lead to serious consequences . If the treatment is prescribed on time, then the patient can do without surgery. The patient may not even suspect that he has an intervertebral hernia.

If there is discomfort in the spine, then you should not hesitate and visit a doctor. With a hernia in the lumbar spine, there may be numbness in the legs, diarrhea, cystitis. The specialist will conduct a comprehensive examination and prescribe an effective treatment.

Which doctor to go to for a spinal hernia

Every person needs to know which doctor is treating a hernia of the spine. If it turned out, so there are suspicions of this pathology, then you should not go to the Internet to look for treatment. After all, a vertebral disease is a serious danger. You should never self-medicate, such symptoms can be similar to many diseases.

If a disease is treated incorrectly, complications can be dangerous to human health.Therefore, it is necessary to contact a medical institution. Herniated disc therapy can take a long time. First of all, the patient should contact a therapist, he helps to make a preliminary diagnosis.

After the patient undergoes all the necessary examinations, the doctor directs him to a specific specialist in order for him to prescribe the correct treatment. Most often, the patient is sent for consultation to an orthopedist .

This specialist understands diseases related to the spine and the musculoskeletal system.

It helps to identify the cause of the hernia with the help of certain tests and patient complaints. Before prescribing treatment, the doctor directs the patient to an MRI. It happens that a therapist refers to a traumatologist if there is no orthopedist in the hospital.

But there is nothing wrong with that, because the specialist also understands diseases associated with the spine. The traumatologist is well aware of various ailments that come from the back. After all, the cause of the disease may be in a bruise of the spine.

The therapist may also refer to a neurologist. Most often, a hernia occurs due to a malfunction of the spinal cord. A pinched nerve can occur and thus disrupt blood flow. Therefore, a specialist will be able to find the cause of the disease.

Author: Petr Vladimirovich Nikolaev

Chiropractor, orthopedic traumatologist, ozone therapist. Treatment methods: osteopathy, post-isometric relaxation, intra-articular injections, soft manual techniques, deep tissue massage, pain relief techniques, craniotherapy, acupuncture, intra-articular drug administration.

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Here you can choose a doctor who deals with the treatment of intervertebral hernia of the lumbosacral spine. If you are unsure of the diagnosis, make an appointment with a general practitioner or general practitioner to clarify the diagnosis.

Which doctors treat hernia of the lumbosacral spine

This page provides ratings, prices and reviews about doctors in Moscow specializing in the treatment of herniated lumbosacral spine.

Other specialists

To select the most effective treatment, the doctor may refer you to a consultation with specialists: massage therapist, chiropractor, exercise therapy doctor, surgeon, radiologist.

Which doctor treats a spinal hernia: a neurologist or a surgeon

If you suddenly suspect the likelihood of a spinal hernia, you do not need to look for self-treatment methods on the Internet, because diseases associated with the spine are very serious.

Self-diagnosis cannot be correct, since many ailments have similar symptoms. The consequences of improper treatment are extremely dangerous for the patient.

For this reason, the first step is to contact the clinic to determine the diagnosis.

The fight against such a serious disease as a spinal hernia takes a long period and consists of several stages. During them, the patient visits different specialists. Which doctor treats a hernia of the spine?

Therapist

The patient comes to an appointment with the general practitioner to make a diagnosis, if confirmed, refers him to a specialist with a narrow specialization.Let’s talk about this in order.

First, the doctor will find out what complaints are present, and, based on them, will prescribe the delivery of certain tests. After their results become known, it will be determined which specialist will prescribe the drugs.

At this consultation and with the therapist will be completed.

Vertebrologist

Most likely, a patient with suspected spinal hernia will be referred for examination to an orthopedist (vertebrologist). This doctor specializes in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in particular the spine.He will deal with the localization of the disease, identifying the focus of the problem.

This is achieved by asking the patient about the nature, frequency, and location of pain, as well as based on the results of previous analyzes. Before prescribing treatment, the doctor will send you for a more detailed analysis in the form of an X-ray or MRI.

It all depends on what equipment is available in the medical institution.

Traumatologist

It is likely that the therapist will not refer the patient to an orthopedist. This is due to the lack of medical personnel.There may simply not be such a doctor in the clinic, especially if the city is small.

But nothing terrible will happen if the patient is received by a neurologist, and sometimes a traumatologist. The neurologist’s specialization also extends to problems with the spine and nervous system.

A traumatologist is no less versed in diseases of the spine, because a hernia can be a consequence of back injuries.

Neuropathologist

In case the chiropractor was unable to provide adequate assistance, he will most likely send you to a neurologist on an appointment.

Why? Often, a hernia disrupts the functioning of the spinal cord, and it is simply not possible to carry out productive treatment without comprehensive measures.

The neurologist will check for pinched nerves and if there is normal circulation in the back. Perhaps he will be able to determine the cause of the prolapse of the hernia.

If an operation to remove an intervertebral hernia is scheduled, only a consultation with a neurologist can save you from permanent disability.

Osteopath

In extremely rare cases, you may be assigned to an osteopathic doctor.He, like a therapist, can prescribe a course of individual physiotherapy (radically different from the usual exercise therapy), as well as prescribe a set of experimental remedies.

They are sent to osteopaths only if this is the last line before surgery. Experimental methods help to cure hernia in 35% of cases, thus avoiding a scalpel.

In another 10% of cases, osteopathy avoids recurrence of hernia prolapse.

Prevention

Prevention of spinal hernia prevents the development of a pathological process.The main measures are as follows:

1. maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You should get rid of nicotine and alcohol addiction.
2. Lack of nervous overstrain. Stress provokes vasoconstriction, which negatively affects blood circulation.
3. Alternating shoes with high and low heels (or none at all).
4. Strengthening the immune system.
5. Adequate amount of sleep (minimum 8 hours a day). The base of the berth must be rigid.
6. Body weight control.
7. Posture control.

It is recommended to resort to physiotherapy exercises, it is worth going in for swimming. Prevention implies physical activity, which will strengthen the muscular system of the back and abs.

Another important factor is nutritional correction. The diet should be balanced, with a sufficient content of meat and dairy products. According to the doctor’s prescription, you can start taking vitamin and mineral complexes.

Treatment of herniated discs is a long and painstaking process. It is often much easier to prevent a disease than to deal with it later.

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Home treatment

If the patient’s condition does not cause concern, and the neoplasm itself is small in size and does not compress important structures of the spinal canal, you can try to solve the problem of intervertebral hernia of the lumbar spine on your own.Treatment includes folk remedies, gymnastics, massages, and rubbing. During this period, it is not recommended to lift weights, it is necessary to provide peace to the patient, good rest and maximum relaxation for the muscles.

Read more about hernia of the lumbar spine and keep the link to the article.

It is recommended to wear an orthopedic corset to support the back

Taking medications

It is often impossible to do without pharmaceuticals.This is especially true for those situations where a hernia provokes intense back pain. Basically, ointments and gels are used, which are applied to the area of ​​the body where the hernia of the lumbar spine is located. Home medication is based on the drugs needed to relieve pain, relax muscles, and stimulate tissue nutrition.

The most popular remedies for home medical treatment are warming ointments.

For a complex effect, tablets are also needed, but only a doctor can prescribe them.

Folk recipes

Also, folk remedies are used for hernia of the lumbar spine. Basically, the effect of relieving pain and tissue swelling is achieved. The most popular recipes are as follows:

• garlic tincture;
• Salt rub, especially with mustard powder;
• comfrey root tincture;
• Indian onion compresses.

Salt is used for rubbing and additionally provides a peeling effect

In addition, it is possible to exert an internal effect on a spinal hernia of the lumbar spine.How to treat folk remedies for back disease when taking medication inside? It is necessary to saturate the body with vitamins and stimulate the production of collagen in the articular ligaments. It is useful to eat papaya, gelatinous foods, as well as sources of vitamins A, B and E.

Trauma such as contusion of the sacrum when falling is quite common. This place is very vulnerable, since the former takes a hit and a heavy load when falling. In this regard, more serious damage may occur, as well as other negative consequences.You need to know how to get rid of the problem and restore health.

Classes and additional procedures

To achieve a complete cure, it is necessary to eliminate the hernia of the lumbar spine. Home treatment provides for a gentle effect on the problem area. To do this, you can do mud wraps, self-massage using active points, etc. To help you can take massagers, Kuznetsov’s applicator and similar devices.

We advise you to read the information on spinal traction for hernia in addition to this article.

Gymnastics plays a special role. It is with the help of exercises that you can stretch the spine, relieve tension and correct posture. Due to this, the hernia is reduced until it is completely eliminated.

Exercises to help with lumbar hernia

A set of exercises may include normal morning warm-up movements, yoga asanas and positions from modern fitness techniques. Popular exercises with fitball, stretching on a horizontal bar, swimming, the use of auxiliary simulators and devices.

One of the most effective methods is classes on the Evminov board.

With a competent combination of home techniques, you will no longer be bothered by a lumbar hernia. Treatment of a hernia of the lumbar spine with folk remedies should be combined with available traditional methods and monitored by a doctor.

Spinal displacement treatment in St. Petersburg

Symptoms of displacement

When the vertebrae are displaced, the symptoms will depend on the location.

Cervical prolapse is characterized by:

Signs of deformity of the thoracic spine are determined by:

• shooting pain during immobility, radiating pain in the lower back
• gastrointestinal dysfunction

Symptoms of displacement of the lumbar discs:

• shooting pain, aggravated by movement
• numbness, leg cramps
• limitation of mobility in the lumbar region

Often, patients complain of displacement of the vertebral discs or displacement of the spinal discs, or in the spoken version – flew out, fell out, jumped out, knocked out and a lot of similar options.The statements are incorrect – only the vertebrae are anatomically displaced, displacement of the intervertebral discs is impossible.

Stages of development

There are five stages of vertebral prolapse:

• The shift is less than a quarter of the vertebra size
• The shift is up to half the size
• The protrusion reaches three quarters of the area
• The shift is more than 75%.

Dangerous degree of complete displacement – the vertebra threatens to jump out of the spinal column, which leads to paralysis.

How to diagnose

Before the onset of pain, it is not possible to differentiate the displacement of the intervertebral discs. Symptoms are applicable to many pathologies of the spine, therefore, patients are prescribed a physical examination and comprehensive diagnostics.

The displacement of the vertebrae of the lumbar spine is determined on CT and MRI scans, studies help to assess the condition of the nerve endings.