Low back pain ranks first as the most common reason for referral to physicians in the adult population. In our society, 8 out of 10 people experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Contrary to popular belief, very few back pains are caused by a hernia.

Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ziya Akar pointed out that early treatment is very important in hernia, which can significantly reduce the quality of life, and said, “When surgery is needed, the rate of benefiting from surgical intervention performed with the right timing is higher. After the patients develop a loss of strength, the expected length of time negatively affects the success of the surgery.

However, some erroneous information that is thought to be correct in the society and acting in this direction can cause a waste of time, and as a result, the desired success from the treatment cannot be achieved. Moreover, delay in treatment can result in serious problems such as paralysis as well as permanent reduction in muscle strength.” Neurosurgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ziya Akar told the wrong information about lumbar hernia, which is thought to be correct in the society; made important suggestions and warnings.

Every low back pain is a herniated disc. FALSE!

FACT: 95% of low back pain is caused by non-hernial factors such as disc degeneration and muscle-joint involvement.

There is a high risk of paralysis after hernia surgery. FALSE!

TRUTH: Contrary to popular belief, the risk of paralysis after surgery performed with microsurgery is very low, below 1%.

Sudden relief of severe leg pain bodes well. FALSE!

FACT: The sudden and spontaneous remission of severe leg pain due to herniated disc can sometimes be caused by serious nerve damage.

The use of a corset is mandatory after hernia surgery. FALSE!

FACT: Microsurgical method is frequently preferred in herniated disc surgeries nowadays. Neurosurgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ziya Akar says, “After the hernia operation performed with the microsurgery method, patients can stand up and walk 4 to 6 hours after the operation, without the need to use a corset.”

Patients diagnosed with lumbar hernia should lie on a hard floor. FALSE!

FACT: It is not a problem for patients with herniated disc to lie on a semi-orthopedic or fully orthopedic bed, just like healthy individuals.

Lifting heavy loads causes herniated disc. FALSE!
TRUTH: Contrary to popular belief, the problem of herniated disc is not associated with lifting a heavy load. Individuals who lead a sedentary life are more at risk than those who regularly work in a heavy-bodied job. prof. Dr. Ziya Akar said, “Patients mostly avoid moving too much. However, adopting a sedentary lifestyle is also one of the causes of herniated disc and is an important risk factor. The reason for this is that the intra-disc pressure reaches its highest level when we sit and the herniated disc increases the pressure on the nerve roots.

Long-term bed rest is required after surgery. FALSE!

FACT: Contrary to popular belief, long-term bed rest is not required after hernia surgery. prof. Dr. Ziya Akar says, “When the standard microsurgery method is used, patients can return to their daily life at the end of the first week.”

Surgery is the last resort in lumbar hernia. FALSE!
TRUTH: When there are symptoms such as loss of strength in the legs and feet, numbness, decreased sensation and loss of urine, surgical treatment should be performed without wasting time. prof. Dr. Ziya Akar warns that otherwise there may be permanent nerve damage.

Lumbar hernia can be corrected with medication. FALSE!
TRUTH: With medication, a response can only be obtained for existing symptoms. However, it does not treat the patient who requires surgical treatment. Neurosurgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ziya Akar states that microdistectomy is the most common method used in lumbar hernia today, and continues: Since it is a minimally invasive method, patients can be mobilized the same day after surgery and leave the hospital the next day.

It is not necessary to see a doctor for simple low back pain. FALSE!

TRUTH: Misbeliefs that it is okay to go to a chiropractor, physiotherapist, osteopath or fracture-dislocation specialist instead of a doctor for simple low back pain can cause serious problems. prof. Dr. Ziya Akar said, “It should not be forgotten that there may be a range of diseases ranging from a rheumatic disease to a spinal tumor under even simple low back pain. For this reason, it is extremely important to first consult a neurosurgeon, physical therapy or orthopedic physician.