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Herniated Disc - Lumbar
A lumbar disc herniation,or lumbar radiculopathy,occurs when a smallportion of a disc rupturesand causes pressure onspinal nerves. Smallherniations are sometimescalled bulges orprotrusions, and peopleexperiencing pain from theherniation often describe itas a pinched nerve.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Pinehurst Surgical
www.pinehurstsurgical.com
IntroductionA lumbar disc herniation, or lumbar radiculopathy, occurs when asmall portion of a disc ruptures and causes pressure on spinalnerves. Small herniations are sometimes called bulges orprotrusions, and people experiencing pain from the herniationoften describe it as a pinched nerve.
SymptomsIn general, pressure on a spinal nerve from a lumbar herniationcauses discomfort in one or both of the legs, frequently down tothe ankle or foot. There can be shooting pains, weakness, and/ornumbness. Pain in the leg is usually worse when sitting.
CausesLumbar disc herniations are most frequently caused bydegeneration due to the normal aging process. As small tears inthe disc’s outer layer (annulus) develop and enlarge over time, thejellylike inner layer (nucleus) may bulge outward, causing pressureon the spinal cord and nerves. Occasionally, trauma or an episodeof heavy lifting causes sudden rupture of the disc resulting insymptoms. Sudden twisting, such as when golfing, can also causelumbar disc herniations.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Pinehurst Surgical
www.pinehurstsurgical.com
SummaryLower back and leg pain from a disc herniation can often beresolved with medication and non-operative treatments (physicaltherapy). When these treatments are successful, leg pain tends todisappear first and it may take longer for weakness or numbnessto improve. Surgery is performed for those whose symptoms donot improve.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Pinehurst Surgical
