Osteopathy for a hernia

A hernia can have a significant impact on your daily life. Lower back pain, radiating pain to the leg, reduced sensation, or loss of strength can make movement less natural. A hernia never develops without reason. Therefore, it is important to identify the underlying cause of the hernia. For this reason, many people often visit an osteopath to gain more insight into their complaints and the possible cause.

At Andromeda Center for Osteopathy, we look beyond just the location where the pain is present. A hernia often does not arise from a single cause. The load on the spinal column, lifestyle, but often also a previous fall or trauma can influence the way the body moves and thus affect the development of complaints associated with a hernia.

For more than 20 years, Marc van Leeuwen and Sten Bierens have been helping people with diverse complaints of the musculoskeletal system. Personal examination, attention, and tailor-made treatment are central to this approach.

What is a hernia?

A hernia is a protrusion of an intervertebral disc. Between the vertebrae of the spinal column are discs that function as shock absorbers. This intervertebral disc consists of a sturdy outer ring containing a soft core. When the outer ring becomes weakened, part of the core can press outward. This creates a protrusion that can put pressure on a nerve. This is called a hernia with nerve compression. The most common form is a hernia in the lower back. In that case, pressure on the nerve can cause complaints that radiate to the leg. The severity of the complaints varies per case. Some people primarily experience back pain, while others suffer from radiating pain, sensory changes, or loss of strength.

Common symptoms of a hernia

Various symptoms can occur with a hernia:

• Lower back pain
• Radiating pain to the leg
• Tingling in the foot or leg
• Reduced sensation
• Reduced strength
• Reduced or diminished reflexes
• Pain when coughing or sneezing
• Stiffness in the back
• Limited movement
• Tension in muscles around the back and pelvis

Not everyone with a hernia experiences the same symptoms. The location of the protrusion and the degree of pressure on a nerve play an important role in this.

How common is a hernia?

A hernia occurs regularly in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Especially people who strain their backs for long periods, perform heavy physical work, or sit for long durations have an increased risk of complaints. Yet a hernia does not arise exclusively from physical strain. Stress does not cause a hernia, but it can influence muscle tension, pain perception, and recovery.

What does the osteopath examine in the case of a hernia?

Extensive intake

During the first appointment, there is an extensive discussion about when the complaints started. Previous injuries, surgeries, workload, sports activities, and general health are also addressed.

In addition, the osteopath asks about the nature of the pain, the radiating pain to the leg, and any changes in strength or sensation.

Physical examination

The intake is followed by an extensive examination of the body. This looks at the mobility of the spinal column, the pelvis, the hips, and surrounding structures.

The tension of muscles, the movement of joints, and the general function of the body are also assessed. This also includes an examination of the (central) nervous system, the organs, and surrounding connective tissue.

Investigation of underlying factors

A hernia often does not arise from a single factor. Therefore, the osteopath also investigates factors that may contribute to the persistence of the complaints.

These may include:

• Reduced movement of the pelvis
• Increased muscle tension
• Residual complaints after surgery
• Old injuries
• Long-term stress
• Disrupted load on the back
• Reduced function of surrounding structures

Based on all findings, it is determined which treatment best suits your situation.