Discs are small circular, compressible cushions between the vertebral bones in the spinal column. They act as cushions for the vertebrae. A herniated disc bulges from its proper place, putting pressure on spinal nerves. This is most common in the lower spine.
|Herniated Lumbar Disc|
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A herniated disc is generally associated with normal aging. It is more common in people after age 30 years of age. Other factors that may increase your chance of a herniated disc include:
- Trauma from a fall, accident, or sudden twisting
- Strain on the back—either repeated or sudden, as from lifting a heavy weight
- Certain jobs that require heavy lifting
A herniated disc may cause:
- May be sharp, dull, piercing, aching, burning, or throbbing, depending on the disc and size of herniation
- May spread over the back, buttocks, down the back of one thigh, and into the calf
- May be in one leg or both legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feet, or in one or both arms
- In severe cases, inability to find comfort even lying down
- Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain
- Cauda equina syndrome
—involves bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
- Note: —This is an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Staying active may be better than bed rest. Treatments may include:
The following therapies may be used:
Back or neck massage and physical therapy to:
- Relax the neck or back muscles
- Decrease pain
- Increase strength and mobility
- Back and abdominal exercises
- Hot or cold packs to reduce pain and muscle spasms
- Chiropractic care
- Using weights and pulleys to relieve pressure on the discs and keep you from moving around
- A neck collar or brace for a herniated disc in the neck to relieve muscle spasms
Your doctor may advise:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms
Interventional Spine Care
Interventional spine care treatments may include:
- Steroid injections into the area around the nerve and disc to reduce pain and inflammation; the injections are used if other medications do not work
Minimally invasive procedures may include:
- Intradiscal electrothermy (IDET)
Surgery may be used for people who fail to respond to other treatments. Immediate surgery is necessary for cauda equina syndrome. Options include:
- Laminectomy —removal of some of the bone over the spine and of the problem disc
- Microdiscectomy —removal of fragments of herniated disc through a small incision; this procedure is also known as intervertebral discectomy
- Spinal fusion —fusing of vertebrae together with bone grafts or metal rods; this is rarely done for first-time disc problems
To help reduce your chance of a herniated disc:
- Practice good posture. Stand and sit straight, and keep your back straight when lifting.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your back and stomach.
- Don't wear high-heeled shoes.
- If you sit for long periods of time, use a stool to bring your knees above your hips.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Herniation of Nucleus Pulposus [HNP]; Prolapsed Disc; Ruptured Disc; Slipped Disc)
North American Spine Society http://www.spine.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org
Awad JN, Moskovich R. Lumbar disc herniations: Surgical versus nonsurgical treatment. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006;443:183-197.
Humphreys CS. Clinical evaluation and treatment options for herniated lumbar disc. Am Fam Physician. 1999;59(3):575-582.
Lumbar disk herniation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116077/Lumbar-disk-herniation . Updated September 6, 2017.