Lumbar herniated disc

Many people with herniated discs have no symptoms. Pain happens when the bulging disc irritates the membrane on the outside of the spinal nerves. If the disc irritates or presses on the nerve roots in the spine, it can cause weakness or numbness in the area of the body where that nerve travels. If the herniated disc isn't pressing on a nerve, you may have an ache in your low back.

When the disc irritates or presses on a nerve in the lower back, symptoms may include:

• Pain that travels through the buttock and down a leg to the ankle or foot because of pressure on the sciatic nerve. There may also be low back pain.
• Tingling or numbness in one leg. It can start in the buttock or behind the knee and extend to the thigh, ankle, or foot.
• Pain in the front of the thigh.
• Severe deep muscle pain and muscle spasms.

Weakness in both legs and the loss of bladder or bowel control are symptoms of a specific and severe type of nerve root compression called cauda equina syndrome. This is a rare but serious problem. A person with these symptoms should see a doctor right away.

Usually a herniated disc heals on its own. So most people try nonsurgical treatment first. Your doctor may recommend a short period of rest or reduced activity, followed by slowly being more active.

Treatment may include:

• Home care, such as resting if you have severe pain, taking short walks, and using heat or ice for pain.
• Doing exercises that your doctor or physical therapist suggests.
• Taking medicines to treat your symptoms, if your doctor says it's okay. Medicines such as NSAIDs are usually tried first. Other medicines that are sometimes tried include stronger pain medicines or muscle relaxers. Corticosteroid shots are also sometimes used.
• Not smoking. Smoking increases the risk of a disc injury.

Some people take part in pain management programs, physical therapy, or rehabilitation programs.

Only a few people have enough pain to consider surgery. The most common surgery for herniated disc is discectomy.