What Is A Lumbar Herniated Disc?
Lumbar Herniated Disc, also known as slipped disc or ruptured disc, is a condition in which the spinal disc begins to protrude into the spinal canal. This protrusion of the disc can irritate the surrounding nerve roots of the spine and cause localized or radiating pain.
What Causes A Lumbar Herniated Disc?
There are many things that can lead to a disc becoming herniated but aging and stress to the spine are among the most common. In some cases, the disc herniation can occur over time as a result of the discs losing their ability absorb the natural forces placed on the spine during our activities of daily living. In other instances, a disc herniation can occur suddenly as a result of overexertion or sudden trauma to the spine, such as lifting a heavy object or a fall. It is also common to herniate more than one disc simultaneously as a result of an injury or overexertion.
What Are The Symptoms?
Many patients will show visible disc herniations on an MRI but never experience pain or symptoms and others will experience chronic symptoms that include:
- Lower back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Stiffness
- Sciatica
- Numbness or tingling the legs