LUMBAR HERNIATED DISC DEVESH RAMNATH MD

Watch Dr. Ramnath explain a lumbar herniated and symptoms. A herniated disc normally happens due to aging or normal wear and tear. The outer layer of tissue holding the disc in place can gradually degrade over time (a condition known as degenerative disc disease). Also, a herniated lumbar disc may also result from a traumatic injury, but this is less common. A normal middle of the disc is called the nucleus pulposus. Inside the disc is a soft part surrounded by a tougher outer shell, like a tire. Inside the disc, it is composed of a jelly-like material that consists of mainly water, and a network of collagen fibers. In the normal disk, the nucleus pulposus moves anteriorly with your lumbar spine as it extends. A herniated disc loses the soft middle and no longer provides the cushion between vertebras. Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms Symptoms of a herniated lumbar disc include: Lower back pain Leg pain Weakness or numbness Difficulty lifting the feet when walking or standing which is called foot drop Painful tingling or feelings like electric shocks, usually in the buttocks and legs Question and Answer What are the Symptoms of a Lumbar Herniated Disc? The symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc can include lower back pain, leg pain, numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, and weakness in the legs. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. How do you diagnose a Lumbar Herniated Disc? What are the non-surgical treatments for a Lumbar Herniated Disc? Usually, the first (and by far the most common) symptom of a herniated lumbar disc is located in the lumbar spine. This part of the spine is located in the lower back area. This condition also normally presents with pain in the lower back. When a lumbar disc herniation presses on the nerves, it can lead to a condition known as sciatica. The discs in your back are like shock absorbers. When these shock absorbers lose the fluid inside, the bones start to rub together. Sometimes it may pinch the closest nerve and cause pain. Hence, it will cause pain and possibly numbness, tingling, or weakness in the buttocks and down the back of the legs. When a herniated disc presses on nearby nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness where the nerve(s) travels. If it isn’t pressing on a nerve, you may only experience minor pain or even no pain at all. In severe cases, this condition can lead to a loss of bladder or bowel control. While this is rare, doctors will recognize this as an indication of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Diagnosing a Lumbar Herniated Disc When you come to Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, your doctor will start by going over your medical history and performing a thorough physical exam, looking for any difficulty walking or pain in the lower back. Furthermore, they may ask you to do a leg raise test to see if you are experiencing a ‘foot drop’ or other neurological symptoms. The doctor will confirm a diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation using X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT) scans, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because X-ray imaging can only show issues with the bones themselves and not the soft tissue, the doctor may order a CT or MRI scan to confirm the condition. Our practice uses an advanced low-dose radiation X-ray imaging system that takes high-quality images of patients in under a minute. In addition, it can also take X-rays of patients in multiple positions, and it’s conveniently located inside our Dallas location, which means that you and your doctor can review the X-rays right after they are taken, during your appointment. To learn more about treatment options, visit our lumbar herniated disc page on our website: https://scoliosisinstitute.com/lumbar... When a herniated disc presses on nearby nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body where the nerve(s) travels. If it isn’t pressing on a nerve, you may only experience minor pain or even no pain at all.