What you need to know about the intervertebral disc
The spine is the body’s main supporting structure, providing stability, protecting the spinal cord, and enabling mobility. It is made up of vertebral bodies separated by intervertebral discs. The vertebrae are connected by small facet joints, and an anterior and posterior ligament system maintains overall integrity. The discs play a key role in allowing flexible movement and absorbing shock. As discs are composed of a jelly-like nucleus surrounded by a fibrous collagen layer, they change shape in response to load — primarily to the pressure generated by gravity. Such changes are frequently described in imaging reports, for example as bulging discs.
The spine is divided into four main sections:
Cervical spine (7 vertebrae): supports and moves the head.
Thoracic spine (12 vertebrae): provides trunk stability and, together with the ribs, protects the chest.
Lumbar spine (5 vertebrae): bears the greatest load, supports the upper body, and allows trunk mobility.
Coccygeal section (3–5 fused vertebrae): contributes to pelvic stability and supports the lower part of the body.
The most common spinal conditions:
Degenerative changes (wear, spondylosis): Due to a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, and asymmetrical loading, the discs lose elasticity over time. The cervical and lumbar regions are most frequently affected. Symptoms often include pain and restricted movement.
Disc herniation: When the bulging disc material reaches the nerve root and causes sensory or motor impairment (e.g. numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers or toes), the degenerative change described above is referred to as a disc herniation.
Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine that typically begins during adolescence, often causing back pain and poor posture. Secondary scoliosis can also develop, for example due to leg-length discrepancy.
Vertebral compression fracture: Although reading about a “collapsed vertebra” on a scan can be alarming, it is not usually a true fracture. It most often develops on the basis of osteoporosis, when the vertical bony trabeculae “give way” due to low bone density.
Fracture: Most commonly the result of an accident.
The upper limb connects to the trunk via the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a complex and highly mobile joint, allowing the arm to move in almost every direction. However, this very mobility also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injury and inflammation.
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can occur at any age. As the pain worsens, shoulder movement gradually becomes restricted, causing significant discomfort during everyday activities such as dressing, grooming, or lifting.
The most common shoulder conditions:
Rotator cuff inflammation or tear – caused by overuse or degeneration of the muscles and tendons. (The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that surround and stabilise the shoulder joint. They originate from the shoulder blade and attach to the upper arm bone, enabling precise shoulder movements.)
Impingement syndrome – when the rotator cuff tendons become pinched between the humeral head and the shoulder blade.
Shoulder arthritis – may be degenerative (shoulder osteoarthritis) or inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis).
Frozen shoulder syndrome – the shoulder gradually becomes stiff due to thickening of the joint capsule.
Bursitis – inflammation of the bursa, which causes swelling and pain when moving the shoulder or when lying on it.
The lower limb connects to the trunk through the hip joint, which plays a key role in movement and maintaining posture. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the femoral head and the acetabulum of the pelvis, allowing movement in multiple directions: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. It enables walking, running, standing up from a seated position, and many everyday movements.
As the hip bears most of the body’s weight, it is no surprise that hip pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints.
The most common hip conditions:
Hip osteoarthritis: the cartilage covering the bone ends becomes thinner, causing pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Hip arthritis: may develop due to infection, autoimmune processes, or overuse.
Trochanteric bursitis: inflammation of the bursae around the hip, typically causing pain on the outer side of the hip.
The health of the hip joint is essential for maintaining mobility and quality of life.
If hip disease progresses to the point where orthopaedic surgery is required, a course of balneotherapy treatments can also contribute effectively to the success of the procedure.
The knee is one of the body’s largest and most complex weight-bearing joints, playing a key role in walking, squatting, climbing stairs, and all movements that require bending or extending the leg. During normal walking, the load on the knee is determined by body weight and the forces acting on the joint, meaning that with each step the knee typically bears around 1.5 times the body weight (for a person weighing 70 kg, this is roughly 105 kg). With faster walking or stair climbing, the load increases to 3–5 times the body weight, and during running it may reach 5–6 times the body weight. As the knee is constantly exposed to load, it is particularly vulnerable to degenerative and inflammatory conditions as well as injuries.
The most common knee conditions:
Knee osteoarthritis: thinning of the cartilage, causing pain during movement and weight-bearing.
Knee arthritis: joint inflammation of infectious or autoimmune origin, which may present with swelling and warmth.
Injuries affecting different structures of the knee, such as:
Meniscus injury: often caused by sudden movement or sports activity; typical symptoms include locking or clicking.
Ligament injuries: leading to instability.
Bursitis around the knee: inflammation of the bursae, causing swelling and pain.
If knee disease progresses to the point where orthopaedic surgery is required, a course of complex balneotherapy can significantly support the success of the procedure.
Post-operative rehabilitation after herniated disc surgery, joint replacement, and other orthopaedic or trauma procedures
During herniated disc surgery, the intervertebral disc material located between the vertebrae is removed. A protruding disc can compress the nerve root, causing severe pain, sensory loss, or difficulty moving the toes or feet (in the case of the lumbar spine). Once the jelly-like disc material is removed during surgery, the pressure on the nerve fibre is relieved, and symptoms usually disappear. However, due to scar tissue formation, additional treatment is often required to restore optimal spinal mobility.
Joint replacement is usually preceded by many years of illness, during which the articular cartilage becomes so worn that the bone ends rub directly against each other during movement. Our vasodilating and circulation-enhancing treatments work exceptionally well on the contracted joint capsule, ligaments, and shortened muscles. They provide excellent surgical preparation and increase the success of the procedure. Recommended pre-operative programme for joint replacement: thermal water pool therapy, mud treatment, individual underwater physiotherapy, ultrasound therapy.
The most common orthopaedic surgeries involve the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. After surgery, the path to full recovery is still long. Early, professional rehabilitation is essential to ensure that the joint regains proper function and the patient can return to their everyday activities.
During early rehabilitation following joint replacement, within the first 6 weeks we combine treatments that do not require aquatic therapy but significantly support recovery. Recommended dry therapeutic rehabilitation in the first 6 weeks after surgery: individual dry physiotherapy, medical therapeutic massage, soft laser therapy, Bemer vascular therapy.
Once the surgical scar has fully healed, rehabilitation should be continued with the combination of thermal water therapy, other hydrotherapeutic procedures, and individual dry physiotherapy in order to regain the best possible range of motion. Recommended thermal water rehabilitation after the first 6 weeks: thermal water pool therapy, individual underwater physiotherapy, mud pack treatment, individual dry physiotherapy.
Trauma-related surgeries vary widely, but recovery after ankle, wrist, shoulder, and femoral neck fractures represents the majority of cases.
who wishes to maintain or restore their musculoskeletal health — whether to relieve existing complaints or for prevention — regardless of age or life situation.
We welcome those who work in sedentary jobs and often feel tension in their neck, back, or lower back; people who exercise regularly and value proper muscle recovery; individuals doing physical work who place increased strain on their bodies; as well as those in stressful, mentally demanding professions who seek rest and rejuvenation.
The spa is also an ideal choice
if you currently have no complaints but value prevention and wish to maintain your wellbeing in the long term.
Our services can also be an excellent complement for those who have previously received musculoskeletal therapy in a specialist clinic and now wish to maintain or improve their wellbeing in a calm, more natural environment.
If the Széchenyi Medical Spa has sparked your interest, we will help you navigate the various therapies. With an appointment for a specialist examination, we ensure that you receive care without waiting time. A referral is not required for our specialist clinic.
2.
Specialist examination
After booking an appointment, you will be seen by one of our rheumatologists or musculoskeletal rehabilitation specialists. The examination includes a physical assessment, which allows us to evaluate joint function and differentiate the sources of pain. For the specialist visit, please bring any previous medical reports related to musculoskeletal or other chronic conditions, so the examining doctor can gain a comprehensive understanding of your health status.
3.
Assessment
During the specialist examination, you and the doctor will discuss the findings, the nature of your musculoskeletal condition, and the possible treatment options. The specialist will create a therapeutic plan tailored to your specific needs and health status.
4.
Individual programme planning
Based on the specialist’s therapeutic plan, a personalised treatment schedule will be created — including only those therapies that best suit your condition, goals, and your available time and financial resources.
5.
Treatments
Treatments can be used independently as non-aquatic therapies — such as medical therapeutic massage, ultrasound, or physiotherapy — but our thermal-water-based therapies are also available. The most effective treatment programmes combine these approaches, creating integrated therapies that act through multiple forms of stimulation.
6.
Follow-up
Throughout the course of treatment, we closely monitor any changes in your condition, and at the end of the programme a specialist follow-up examination is carried out to reassess the results achieved.
In June 2023, I spent two weeks at the medical department of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed by kind, smiling staff. The administrators handling admissions work with exemplary patience and warmth. The healthcare team — the nurses, physiotherapy assistants, physiotherapists, medical masseurs and the staff performing the mud treatments — all carry out their work with outstanding expertise, empathy and kindness. The doctors prescribe treatments with great care and fully personalised attention. Throughout my therapy, I received the highest level of professionalism, attentiveness and compassion in every area. This atmosphere alone already feels like half the healing. Congratulations to this outstanding team.
Sz. Erzsébet, (61) Budapest
I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful welcome and treatment I received here. I am extremely thankful for the professional competence of all your colleagues. Whichever treatment I think back on, I truly feel I was in the best hands. Eszter, the physiotherapist, carried out her work with charming kindness and great effectiveness; Gabi and Krisztina, the masseurs, provided wonderful moments; Éva and Kinga were always kind during the iontophoresis sessions; and even the mud pack treatment was administered courteously by Zsolti. I would also like to thank the nurses for their kindness.
K. Etelka, (61) Budapest
Anikó, the physiotherapist, is very kind, precise, skilled, helpful and highly professional. I am truly grateful to her for all the support — I have improved a great deal thanks to her.
S. Dávid, (33) London
I have been coming to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath for treatments for several years now, and the professionals working here are truly exceptional. The medical admission is thorough and comprehensive. Dr Tóth Mária, who has extensive experience, compiled the list of treatments I needed. I have made excellent progress thanks to Eszter, a wonderful physiotherapist — I am very grateful to her. Anita is the department’s all-round organiser, always keeping an eye on everything and stepping in wherever help is needed. My hat goes off to the entire team — thank you, I will definitely return.
T. Gyula, (65) Budapest
I had hip replacement surgery, and the fact that I will be celebrating my 24th birthday in a month is something I owe to the dedicated team at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath’s medical department. Making the most of the opportunities available, I attend treatments twice a year. Recently, I found myself in a more fragile condition again, yet now I can step up onto the pavement without holding on, and I can sit with my back at a 90-degree angle — I am simply happy, and I owe all this to this wonderful, “golden” team.
S. Éva (77) Budapest
Heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath for their dedicated and precise work, as well as for their kind, understanding and helpful attitude. The receptionists, the massage therapists and the nurses supervising the traction bath all contribute to making the stay of guests seeking recovery truly pleasant.
H. Lídia, (48) Kismaros
I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff of the hospital for their professional, highly skilled work and their humane, attentive approach to the patients. I am extremely satisfied. I owe much of my recovery to their dedication. The fantastic physiotherapists (I was treated by Anikó) and the doctors (Dr Éva Komporály) greatly helped the improvement of my condition. I would also like to highlight the attentiveness and excellent organisational skills of the assistants.
Wishing you continued success and many satisfied patients — with heartfelt thanks!
N. Judit (66) Budapest
My sincere thanks to all the members of staff for explaining everything clearly and kindly. Your punctuality and professional expertise are truly commendable. Every prescribed treatment took place at the specified location and time. My schedule was arranged in the most optimal way, and the hospital’s operation is characterised by clear rules and excellent organisation. I owe both my physical and mental recovery to you. Wishing you all the best in your continued work!
S. Gabriella, (61) Budapest
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the three weeks I was able to spend here with you. I have met wonderful people, and I was completely satisfied with both the care and the attitude of everyone – truly 5/5*. I have regained the joy of movement and have been restored mentally as well. My thanks go to all of you: Eszter, Éva, Zsolt, Gyula, Sándor, Anita and Angéla.
A. Zoltán (50) Göd
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the kind staff members (therapists, administrative team and cleaning staff) who, from the very first moment, supported my recovery with great kindness, patience and genuine helpfulness. There were many patients of all ages and genders, yet everyone always received attentive care – even in the hottest days of summer. I am leaving with very positive experiences, and I will be happy to return if needed.
V. Kornélia, (44) Göd
Thank you very much for the kindness of all the therapists, and I wish everyone good health!
P. Tamás (69) Budapest
I would like to express my gratitude to all the kind members of the treatment staff who looked after me. They were patient, friendly and always had a smile, not to mention their professional expertise. A special thank you also goes to the cleaning staff!
H. Sándorné (70) Budapest
I would like to thank all the staff working here for their professional, healing care and their kindness. I am leaving refreshed and free of pain.
R. Anikó (62) Budapest
I would like to thank you for your professional, prompt and courteous approach. The medical care and the work of the healthcare staff have greatly supported my recovery. I truly enjoy coming here, as I feel very well looked after and my condition has improved significantly.
M. Zsuzsanna (74) Budapest
I would like to let you know that the spa therapy has been very beneficial for my health, and I would especially like to highlight the helpful attitude and kindness of the staff working at the information desk and reception.
H. Etel (72) Budapest
I would like to express my gratitude to the masseurs working at the institute, especially to Gabi and in particular to Csaba, for their professionalism, dedication and compassionate care during the treatments.
B. István, (72) Budapest
I would like to thank you for the highly effective treatments and for all the kindness I experienced throughout the entire course. For 15 days I was surrounded by a level of warmth and respect that is completely different from what one usually encounters in everyday Hungarian reality. My congratulations to everyone working in the department, and I wish you continued success.
K. Éva, (56) Budapest
I am always very satisfied with the work carried out here, and this time was no exception – such a knowledgeable and truly caring team. I had a particularly pleasant experience during the physiotherapy treatments, where Évi handled everything on her own with exceptional dedication, attentiveness and professionalism. All the other therapists are wonderful as well; overall, the team seems absolutely perfect.
Sz. Éva (70) Budapest
I have been coming to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath for many years, and the helpfulness and empathy of the staff simply couldn’t be better — everyone is truly wonderful. Not only those who treated me, but even the colleagues I only passed by were always courteous and ready to help. I felt very well cared for during the past three weeks. My sincere thanks also go to the doctor for the way she treated me.
S. Mariann (56) Budapest
This was my fourth time attending the spa hospital at your institution. I would like to express my gratitude for the conscientious work of all your colleagues. Éva unfailingly guides the patients at the reception desk with remarkable kindness; Tünde brings something new to every single underwater exercise session; Éva conducts the physiotherapy treatments with energy, courtesy and professionalism; Gabriella massages gently yet with reassuring confidence. Zsolt’s job in the mud therapy unit is difficult and repetitive, yet he remains cheerful and always has a kind word for us. I would like to thank Anikó especially — I am convinced that her physiotherapy sessions have greatly helped with my condition. My utmost respect and gratitude go to all of you. Thank you to each and every member of the team.
K Éva (56) Budapest
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