Lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of low back pain and can also cause sciatica type nerve pain. The disc is a pad of cartilage that sits between the bones in your spine and acts as a shock absorber. discs can herniate, or rupture, and bulge out into the spinal canal. This can compress and damage the spinal nerves, causing pain.
Disc herniation is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. It is more common in men than women. People who have jobs that involve lifting, twisting, or repetitive motions are at higher risk for disc herniation.
How can this happen?
A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the inner, gel-like nucleus of the disc ruptures and leaks out through a tear in the outer wall of the disc. This can cause the disc to bulge or collapse and can put pressure on the nearby spinal nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a disc herniation, including:
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Smoking
- Repetitive heavy lifting
- Trauma (such as a car accident)
What symptoms may I experience?
This is a common condition, and it often goes away on its own with time and rest. However, in some cases, it may require medical treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to see a doctor:
- Severe pain in the lower back or legs
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
If you have any of these symptoms, don't wait to see a doctor.
What treatment is available?
If you have a lumbar disc herniation, you may be wondering what kind of treatment options are available to you. There are a few different options that you can explore, depending on the severity of your condition.
If your herniation is minor, you may be able to treat it with some simple at-home remedies, such as ice and heat therapy, over-the-counter pain medication, and gentle exercises. If your herniation is more severe, you may need to see a doctor for more intensive treatment. This could include physical therapy, steroid injections, and, in some cases, surgery.
No matter what kind of treatment you need, it's important to get started as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get relief from your pain and start on the road to recovery.