At MozgásKlinika Retek utca, in Budapest’s 2nd district, both physiotherapists list conservative treatment of a herniated disc among their areas of interest. This article sums up what that means in practice. It gives no individual advice: that is only possible after an examination.
What does conservative treatment mean?
Treatment without surgery. The clinic’s treatments are drug-free and are built on physiotherapy, manual therapy and physical therapy. According to the clinic, with some musculoskeletal problems therapy started in time may even help to avoid surgery; one of the physiotherapists also lists complex rehabilitation aimed at preventing spinal surgery among their areas.
Which path is right in your case is for your doctor and your physiotherapist to say, based on the examinations. Nobody can promise a result in advance.
Why is the imaging report not enough?
An imaging report is important information, so bring it to the first visit: the physiotherapist looks at it at the start of the session. For a treatment plan, however, it is also necessary to know what is limiting your movement and how much load your body can take now. The physical examination and posture analysis of the first assessment show this.
How is the treatment built up?
The plan follows the levels of the MozgásPiramis®.
- Treating pain and the current complaint. Here manual therapy typically plays a larger part, complemented by physical therapy where needed.
- Restoring range of motion.
- Developing muscle strength and capacity. Active physiotherapy becomes more and more important.
- Functional stability and movement control.
- Returning to everyday, work or sporting load.
Your current functional condition decides which level you start on and how fast you move on.
How long does it take?
After the examination the physiotherapist tells you how the therapy is built up and roughly how long it may take. The exact number of sessions cannot be given in advance: it depends on how you respond and on the professional assessment.
What about before or after surgery?
If you are facing surgery or have already had it, the clinic also offers preparation before surgery and rehabilitation after it. This has its own article. For lower back pain in general, see the article on how physiotherapy can help.
