Lumbar - Herniated Disc

What is Lumbar Disc Disease (Herniated Disc)?

The vertebral column, or backbone, is made up of 33 vertebrae that are separated by spongy discs. The spine is divided into 4 areas:


The lumbar spine consists of 5 bony segments in the lower back area, which is where lumbar disc disease occurs.

  • Bulging disc. With age, the intervertebral disc may lose fluid and become dried out. As this happens, the spongy disc (which is located between the bony parts of the spine and acts as a “shock absorber”) becomes compressed. This may lead to the breakdown of the tough outer ring. This lets the nucleus, or the inside of the ring, to bulge out. This is called a bulging disc.
  • Ruptured or herniated disc. As the disc continues to break down, or with continued stress on the spine, the inner nucleus pulposus may actually rupture out from the annulus. This is a ruptured, or herniated, disc. The fragments of disc material can then press on the nerve roots located just behind the disc space. This can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation.


What causes lumbar disc disease?

Lumbar disk disease is caused by a change in the structure of the normal disc. Most of the time, disc disease happens as a result of aging and the normal break down that occurs within the disc. Sometimes, severe injury can cause a normal disc to herniate. Injury may also cause an already herniated disc to worsen.

What are the risks for lumbar disc disease?


What are the symptoms of lumbar disc disease?

The symptoms of lumbar disc disease vary depending on where the disc has herniated, and what nerve root it is pushing on. These are the most common symptoms of lumbar disc disease:

  • Spasm of the back muscles
    Muscle weakness in the legs
  • Numbness in the leg or foot
  • Decreased reflexes at the knee or ankle
  • Changes in bladder or bowel function


How is lumbar disc disease diagnosed?




How is lumbar disk disease treated?

Typically, conservative therapy is the first line of treatment to manage lumbar disc disease. This may include a mix of the following:

  • Bed rest
  • Weight control
  • Use of a lumbosacral back support
  • Medicine to control pain and relax muscles



What are the complications of lumbar disc disease?


Can lumbar disc disease be prevented?


Living with lumbar disc disease

Conservative therapy requires patience; but sticking with your treatment plan can reduce back pain and minimize the chance of worsening pain or damage to the disc. Conservative measures and surgery can both take time to be effective.

Key points about lumbar disc disease

  • Lumbar disc disease causes lower back pain and leg pain and weakness that is made worse by movement and activity.
  • Surgery may be considered if the more conservative therapy fails.
