Lumbar disc herniation is a common musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impacts the lives and work of patients. The causes are often related to excessive physical activity and heavy physical exertion. Let’s explore lumbar disc herniation further in this article.
1. What is Lumbar Disc Herniation?
Lumbar disc herniation is a condition where the intervertebral disc protrudes from its normal position. It can occur in various locations along the spine, but lumbar disc herniation is the most common, especially among the working-age population, affecting productivity and work efficiency.
Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. Herniated discs are more common in the lower back
2. Causes of Lumbar Disc Herniation
– Aging: Over time, the outer fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc degenerates, losing elasticity and allowing herniation into the spinal canal, potentially compressing spinal nerves.
– Trauma: Spinal injuries from accidents or heavy labor can abruptly exert strong forces, causing disc rupture or displacement.
– Congenital Spinal Issues: Conditions like scoliosis, vertebral deformities, or genetic predispositions to weak spine structure can contribute to lumbar disc herniation.
– Overweight or Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on intervertebral discs, raising the risk of herniation.
– Additionally, frequent heavy lifting, prolonged improper sitting postures, and incorrect exercise techniques can lead to serious spinal damage and disc herniation.
3. Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Herniation
3.1 Lower Back Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom of herniated lumbar disc, varying in intensity. Some experience severe pain with muscle stiffness, while others have dull aches that worsen with movement or position changes.
Lower back pain is a prevalent symptom of lumbar disc herniation
3.2 Leg Pain Radiation
Nerve root compression from herniated discs often causes pain radiating along the affected nerve pathway. This commonly occurs at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc levels, affecting nerves L4, L5, and S1. Pain may travel from the lower back down the buttocks, thighs, knees, and calves.
3.3 Numbness in the Legs
Leg numbness is often accompanied by leg pain in herniated disc cases. The degree of numbness correlates with the degree of nerve compression.
3.4 Muscle Atrophy
Muscle wasting typically occurs in advanced stages or with significant nerve compression. Surgical intervention may be prioritized if muscle atrophy is due to severe nerve compression.
3.5 Leg Weakness
Prolonged or severe nerve compression can lead to reduced or lost motor control of the affected nerve root. This often results in leg weakness, affecting functions like bending, extending the foot, or lifting the thigh if the herniation is high.
3.6 Reflex Abnormalities
This symptom is rare and typically only occurs with significant disc herniation or at higher disc levels.
Without prompt and proper treatment, herniated lumbar disc can lead to severe complications, most commonly nerve compression and its associated symptoms such as buttock pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
4. Diagnosis of Lumbar Disc Herniation
When experiencing symptoms like back pain, leg numbness, or weakness, it’s crucial to consult a musculoskeletal specialist for an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process typically involves medical history review, symptom assessment, and physical examinations to evaluate motor function if necessary. Additionally, electromyography may be performed to identify the location of compressed nerve roots.
During the examination, if deep disc damage is detected, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans may be ordered. Subsequently, the physician will devise an appropriate treatment plan. If symptoms persist after four weeks of treatment, further evaluation and specialist referrals may be necessary.
Imaging tests can help accurately diagnose disc herniation.
5. How is Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated?
Current treatment methods mainly focus on conservative approaches, including pain relief medication, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. These medications may have side effects like respiratory issues, gastric problems, or increased blood pressure. Therefore, it’s essential to follow the physician’s prescription and avoid self-medication or dosage adjustments.
Additionally, physical therapy modalities such as massage, high-frequency radio waves, laser therapy, acupuncture, etc., can effectively manage herniated lumbar disc and specific lumbar spine issues. In severe cases unresponsive to conservative treatment, surgical options may be considered based on the patient’s health status.
In conclusion, we have explored lumbar disc herniation, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. We hope this information helps you better understand this condition, recognize warning signs early, and minimize adverse outcomes. If you experience any alarming symptoms, seek early evaluation and treatment from a musculoskeletal specialist.
