How Can You Reduce the Risk of Reherniation?

Spinal disc herniation, a common condition that affects countless individuals, can lead to excruciating pain and discomfort. For those who undergo treatment to address this issue, the last thing they want is a reherniation, which typically occurs when a spinal disc that has been surgically repaired herniates again. Reherniation can also happen after other types of spinal interventions, such as injections, decompression, or spinal fusion surgery. This can lead to the recurrence of symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, and numbness. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of reherniation and ensure a smoother recovery. In this article you will learn about some of the factors that increase the risk of reherniation and several strategies that can help you reduce it.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Reherniation

Several factors can make you more prone to reherniate a disc after an initial injury or treatment. Some of these factors are:

• Age – Older patients have less elasticity and hydration in their discs, making them more vulnerable to reinjury.
• Smoking – Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen to the discs, impairing their healing and regeneration.
• Obesity – Excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and discs, increasing the risk of reherniation.
• Physical activity – Too much or too little physical activity can affect the risk of reherniation. Too much activity can cause excessive stress and strain on the spine, while too little activity can lead to muscle weakness and poor posture.
• Genetics – Some people may have inherited traits that make their discs more susceptible to degeneration and reherniation.

Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Reherniation

While some factors are beyond your control, there are many things you can do to lower your risk of reherniating a disc. Some of these strategies are:

• Follow post-operative guidelines – The initial recovery period following spinal surgery is critical. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions that you must follow diligently. These guidelines typically include restrictions on lifting heavy objects, advice on maintaining proper posture, and recommendations for physical therapy exercises. Adhering to these guidelines is paramount in reducing the risk of reherniation.
• Embrace core-strengthening exercises – A strong core is your best defense against reherniation. Core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back muscles, provide essential support for your spine. Engaging in targeted core-strengthening exercises as recommended by your healthcare provider will reduce strain on the surgical site and decrease the chances of reherniation.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Carrying excess weight places additional stress on your spine, which can increase the risk of reherniation. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise is crucial. Consult with a healthcare professional to develop a sustainable weight management plan tailored to your needs.
• Practice good posture – Poor posture places excessive strain on your spine, making it more vulnerable to reherniation. Be mindful of your posture when sitting, standing, and lifting. Consider ergonomic adjustments at work and home to ensure you are maintaining a healthy spinal alignment.
• Lift safely – Improper lifting techniques can be a recipe for disaster, especially after spinal surgery. Always use your legs, not your back, when lifting objects. Bend your knees, keep the object close to your body, and avoid twisting while lifting. If you are unsure about your lifting abilities, seek assistance or use assistive devices.
• Quit smoking – If you are a smoker, it is essential to kick the habit. Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to heal and reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, making reherniation more likely. Quitting smoking will not only benefit your overall health but also increase your chances of a successful recovery.
• Be mindful of recurrence symptoms – Stay vigilant about any signs or symptoms that may indicate reherniation. If you experience a return of pain, numbness, or weakness, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Early detection and intervention can prevent reherniation from progressing.
• Manage stress – Stress can contribute to muscle tension and pain, which can exacerbate the risk of reherniation. Explore stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or even therapy to manage stress and promote relaxation.
• Stay hydrated – Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the health and flexibility of your spinal discs. Water nourishes the discs and prevents them from becoming brittle. Aim to drink an adequate amount of water daily to support your spine’s health.
• Consider physical therapy – Physical therapy can be immensely beneficial in reducing reherniation risk. A therapist can design a customized exercise program to address your specific needs, increase flexibility, and strengthen the core muscles necessary for spinal stability.

Minimizing the risk of reherniation is achievable with the right strategies and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Your healthcare provider is your ally in this process. Regular follow-up visits and open communication about your progress and concerns are essential for a successful recovery. With a proactive approach and a focus on spine health, you can guard against reherniation and enjoy a pain-free life.

Even though discectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, patients with these large holes in their discs are more than twice as likely to reherniate. Reherniations often require additional surgery or even fusions. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-705-1081.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.