Herniated Disc
What is it?
A herniated disc is a condition which occurs when a piece of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures and slips out of place, squeezing a spinal nerve. This may cause symptoms like leg pain, leg weakness, leg numbness, and low back pain.
Degeneration of the discs is a natural process of aging, characterized by dehydration or desiccation of the disc material that reduces the flexibility, and the height of the disc. As discs degenerate they lose their elasticity, and the retaining wall around the disc begins to fissure or tear. Pieces of the deteriorating disc can then protrude out through the leaking annulus, causing one or more symptoms of herniated disc.
Although a herniation can occur in any section of the spine, herniated discs in the lumbar and cervical spine are the most common.
Symptoms
The typical symptom of a disc herniation is pain that radiates from the low back down into the leg, known as sciatica. In addition to the pain, the leg may also be weak or numb. In more difficult cases, both legs may be affected, and bowel or bladder function may be affected. Most patients with disc herniation also experience low back pain.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually confirmed by MRI and/or CT myelography.
Treatment
Most lumbar disc herniations are resolved without any treatment. For herniations that persist, treatment begins with the anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. If symptoms continue, epidural steroid injections may be recommended. If nonsurgical methods do not provide relief, lumbar microdiscectomy surgery in most cases provides excellent relief.