Lumbar Disc Herniations

WHAT CAUSES LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION?

Intervertebral discs are positioned in between each vertebral body (the bones of the spine). Each disc is composed of a tough outer ring (the annulus) and a soft gel-like inner core (the nucleus). Disc degeneration or acute injury can cause the nucleus to herniate into the spinal canal or the neural foramen. The herniated disc material can irritate the nerve root (radiculitis), which can cause pain to radiate down the path of the nerve from the lower back through the buttocks and into the leg or even into the foot.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION?

• Sharp pain that travels into the buttocks and back of the leg (sciatica)
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs*
• Loss of reflexes in the leg*
• Loss of bowel or bladder control*

* These symptoms may indicate a very serious condition, medical attention should be sought immediately