HERNIATED LUMBAR DISCS

Helping You Get Back to a Healthy You

Spinal Disorders: Herniated Lumbar Discs

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints for which people seek help from their doctor. Despite being so common, it can be difficult to alleviate. Anyone who has injured their back knows only too well the misery of back pain.

In the majority of cases, back pain comes from muscles, joints, and ligaments, and passes in a few days or weeks. It can be the result of poor posture, stress, strains, nerve irritation (sciatica), or structural issues (e.g. scoliosis). Diseases like arthritis, osteoporosis, and fractures can also cause back pain, as can problems such as herniated lumbar discs.

Your Spine – an Anatomical Masterpiece

The spine consists of twenty-four bones called vertebrae, between which are intervertebral discs. These are made of a soft, gel-like cushioning interior with a tough outer cartilage shell. The spinal cord runs along the inside of these bones and discs.

As we age, the center of the disc can degenerate and dry out, impacting on its effectiveness as a cushioning tool. If there is a crack in the tough outer layer of a disc, certain actions can cause some of the gel-like interior to push through (or herniate). Most lumbar disc herniation occurs in the spine’s bottom two discs, which are located just below the waist.

Herniated Lumbar Disc – A Complex Issue

A herniated lumbar disc (some people call it a “slipped” disc) can press on spinal nerves and cause radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness of the leg. This condition is called “sciatica”, and affects up to 2% of people aged between thirty and fifty.

Causes of lumbar disc herniation include ageing, lifting, and sporting injuries, as well as lack of regular exercise and being overweight.

Symptoms of a Herniated Lumbar Disc

Some people will experience no symptoms at all from a herniated lumbar disc, while others find their symptoms debilitating. Symptoms that require immediate treatment include:

• Leg pain with or without lower back pain
• Numbness, tingling, pins and needles, or weakness of the leg or foot
• Pain in the lower back or buttock
• Rarely, loss of control of the bladder or bowel (this is a very serious condition)

Most symptoms of lumbar disc herniation will resolve on their own within six weeks, and can be facilitated with heat or ice therapy, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medical treatments also include oral steroids and epidural cortisone injections. If the condition does not abate, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Contact Innovative Spine Surgery Today

If you have a herniated lumbar disc, you deserve experienced surgeons to provide comprehensive spine care. Dr. Ezriel Kornel and Dr. Krishn Sharma can help you overcome the pain of your condition. Please call (914) 353-4106 to schedule a consultation appointment today!