Spinal discs play a significant role in the lower back. They are located between the vertebrae in the spinal column which supports the upper body and serves as a shock absorber. When a disc herniates and leaks its inner liquid, it can trigger severe back pain which goes down to the leg.
A herniated disc, also known as slipped, bulged, or ruptured, is a fragment pushed out of the annulus into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. Due to this displacement, the slipped disc presses on spinal nerves causing lower back pain, as well as leg pain, or sciatica. A lumbar herniated disc is very common and most often affects people aged 35 to 50. This article covers the causes and symptoms of herniated discs.
Website design By BotEap.com
Causes
A herniated disc can occur in any part of the spine but are more common in the lower back – lumbar spine. Most often it is the result of age-related wear and tear of the spine. In young adults, discs have higher water content but as people age, the water content decreases, and the discs become less flexible and more prone to tearing with even a minor twist or strain. The discs shrink and the spaces between the vertebrae get tighter. This aging process is called disc degeneration.
Other than this, a traumatic event or injury can also cause a herniated disc. A herniated disc can be very painful but the majority of people feel better within just a few weeks or months of nonsurgical treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.
Symptoms
In the majority of cases, lower back pain is the first symptom of a herniated disc. Although symptoms vary depending on the position of the herniated disc and the size of the herniation, other symptoms may include:
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Loss of bladder and bowel control. Although it is very rare and it may indicate a serious problem called cauda equina syndrome. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Tingling sensation or numbness in the leg or foot
- Sciatica – sharp shooting pain that extends from the buttock down the back of the leg which is caused by pressure on the spinal nerve.
- Foot drop – difficulty in lifting the foot when walking or standing on the ball of the foot.
Symptoms of the lumbar herniated disc are usually severe if the herniation is extensive. Pain can be limited to the lower back if the disc herniation does not affect a nerve. Most of the patients experience low back pain or leg pain that occurs for a few days and then goes away. This is the first indication of a herniated disc.
When to seek medical care
Fortunately, the majority of patients suffering from herniated discs do not require surgery. The symptoms improve with time, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. If you have been experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, pay a visit to Dr. Moksha Ranasinghe in Los Angeles at Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery. She will help you find out and treat the root cause of any discomfort you may feel. You can count on her to make your road to recovery comfortable and quick. Schedule an appointment by visiting the website or call at (213) 369-4583.