Types and use of corsets for hernia in the lumbar region

In case of spinal hernias, patients are prescribed orthopedic belts that fix the diseased section, preventing muscle strain and compression. Wearing a special corset allows you to evenly distribute the load on the back, limiting movement in the area of ​​the pathological focus.

A belt for a hernia of the lumbar spine is needed before and after surgery, but its tasks in each period will be the same: to reduce the load and pressure on the diseased region, to minimize movement, to prevent sharp turns, to relax the muscles.

The lumbar corset for disc herniation is a belt made of natural material, which has metal or plastic inserts and fasteners. The bandage may have additional parts that act as a kind of back massagers. Wearing a corset is recommended for patients with vertebral hernia and for its prevention during sports and hard work.

Vertebrologists and traumatologists warn that it is dangerous to constantly wear a corset for the lower back, because over time, muscles atrophy from this, and it is already difficult to do any work without a belt, that is, a person becomes dependent on this initially additional device.

Treatment of a herniated disc

A lumbar brace is needed for people who have experienced a pathology of the intervertebral disc, or when there are predisposing factors, and it is important to prevent a hernia. This device will be an additional device to eliminate unnecessary stress on the muscles and maintain the spine.

The main treatment includes:

1. Drug therapy - the patient is prescribed NSAIDs, antispasmodics, muscle relaxants, painkillers to reduce the severity of the symptomatic complex .
2. Physical therapy procedures - electrophoresis, phonophoresis, magnetotherapy, ultrasound, mud baths will be useful for hernia.
3. In traction of the spine, exercise therapy, massage are important methods of treating the spine, which in a certain period of pathology will help to stop the destruction of the disc, while eliminating pain, stiffness, discomfort, and muscle spasm.
4. O surgery (partial or complete removal of the disc with the installation of an endoprosthesis ) - is prescribed already with a running hernia, when there is a risk of disability due to damage to the spinal cord by disc sequesters.

The benefits of a corset

Corset for hernia of the lumbar spine performs the following tasks:

• evenly distributes the load on all departments, reducing pressure on the lower back, because this part of the back is the most mobile and prone to various injuries;
• reduces soreness, eliminates muscle spasm and relaxes them;
• prevents compression of nerve fibers and spinal roots;
• prevents curvature of the spinal column;
• eliminates sudden movements that can cause pinching of the hernia.

A corset for the back with a hernia is essential for the prevention of complications.

Pinching and inflammation of the nerve, lumbalgia, impaired sensitivity and movement are the consequences of a severe course of the pathology without therapeutic measures. Such conditions affect the quality of life, interfere with daily activities, make them suffer physically and oppress psychologically.

How to choose

It is necessary to choose an orthopedic belt for the lumbosacral spine together with an orthopedist. The corset for the back differs in size, material, additional inserts, so it will be difficult to choose a bandage on your own in accordance with the characteristics of the disease.

What is important to pay attention to when choosing a lumbar corset for spinal hernia:

• the bandage is prescribed by a doctor , it is impossible to make a decision on wearing it yourself, because it also has contraindications;
• there are various models of belts for disc herniation in the thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral region;
• the corset should fit snugly against the body , squeezing a little, but not pinching the back , in order to exclude circulatory disorders;
• the size should fit perfectly , therefore it is imperative to do a fitting, put on a belt before buying, and it is highly not recommended to place an order in an online store without the possibility of a return;
• you need to put on a belt on a naked body or a thin T-shirt made of natural fabrics in order to exclude chafing, because the corset must also be pleasant to the body, that is, not cause skin irritation, be hypoallergenic;
• preference should be given to well-known manufacturers of medical products.

Indications and contraindications

A belt for the back with an intervertebral hernia is indicated during therapeutic exercises, when pain bothers and there is a risk of complications. There are several types of lumbar corsets, among which you can choose a model in accordance with the characteristics of the course of the disease.

The types of corsets and their purpose:

1. Corrective - indicated for concomitant scoliosis or kyphosis, eliminates the curvature of the spinal column and helps to cope with various deformities.
2. Massage - is a warming belt with massage inserts, which is indicated to improve blood flow and pain relief .
3. Fixing performing physical work, during sports, when there is a predisposition to a hernia.
4. Supporting - fixes the diseased spine, such a belt for the lumbar spine does not restrict movement .

Corsets are rigid and semi-rigid. The choice in favor of the first is given during the rehabilitation period after surgery and with various injuries. Such a belt fixes the vertebrae, preventing their displacement. Semi-rigid corsets are suitable in any period of the disease in order to reduce the load on the spine. Such a belt can be chosen for therapeutic exercises and everyday work.

It is recommended to choose a hygroscopic bandage that allows air to pass through and absorbs moisture.

It is also important to take into account the features of its operation, and take care of it according to the instructions. At the time of purchase, you need to know exactly which belt is needed, and the attending physician should explain this in detail.

The orthopedic corset also has contraindications:

• early period after surgery - the bandage is prescribed after the surgical wound has healed, otherwise suppuration and inflammation may occur, which will prolong rehabilitation and affect the already serious condition of the patient;
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract - squeezing the abdominal cavity with a corset will lead to a deterioration in well-being, which can cause an exacerbation of the disease, especially for pathologies such as stomach ulcers, gastroduodenitis;
• kidney disease - violations of these organs are often accompanied by edema, and squeezing the tissues will further contribute to this, in addition, there is a risk of bedsores;
• inflammatory skin diseases, infections, severe dermatological pathologies - the belt, not much, but will rub, irritate the skin, which can cause the spread of infection and exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• Allergy to the material, individual changeability .

Terms of Use

The lumbar corset is put on for several hours a day, it is constantly contraindicated to wear it, otherwise its use will have the opposite effect. The bandage relieves the load from the muscles, and if they are in this state for a long time, this will lead to atrophy, which will already entail other pathologies of the spine.

The consequence of this may be a curvature of the spinal column, a complication of a hernia, a displacement of the vertebrae.

About general recommendations for the use of a lumbar corset:

• wear no more than 5 hours a day;
• do not wear at night;
• apply during physical activity;
• fix tightly, but so as not to cause discomfort;
• remove when acute pain occurs;
• wear only as prescribed by a doctor;
• stop using the belt when advised by the doctor.

Prevention of spinal hernia

A hernia in the lumbar region is often the result of untreated osteochondrosis. This is a disease that begins with malnutrition of the intervertebral disc. Pathological changes in this case will be the result of a lack of movement in the spine and a lack of nutrients.

To prevent violations, it is necessary to change the diet and attitude to lifestyle, especially the physical sphere. Hernia prevention is not limited to any one method or remedy, it is a long process that either never ends or is interrupted, followed by the development of pathology.

This includes the prevention of intervertebral hernia in the lumbar region :

• the use of a corset during high loads on the spine;
• inclusion in the diet more vitamin food;
• classes in cured gymnastics, swimming, frequent walking;
• minimizing the time spent in a sitting position;
• smoking cessation, limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• unloading of the spine, proper rest between physical labor;
• strengthening the muscles of the back and anterior abdominal wall.

Faced with a hernia, it is important to gradually change habits and lifestyle, because they become the direct cause of the disease.

We are talking about hypodynamia, lack of diet, overload of the spine and many other factors that gradually worsen the condition of the spine and surrounding structures. And even after surgery, as the only option to eliminate a large hernia and sequesters, these phenomena will affect the processes in the intervertebral disc, which means that the disease can return at any time, but in a different localization.