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.

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.