Lumbar Disc Disease

The vertebral column or the backbone comprises of a bony structure separated by sponge like discs.

The spine is divided into four main segments namely:

• Cervical Spine (Neck)
• Thoracic Spine (Region opposite to the chest)
• Lumbar Spine (Lower back)
• Sacral Spine (Connected to the pelvis region)

The discs placed between the bones act like shock absorbers for the spine. Each inter-vertebral disc comprises of a tough outer ring and a soft jelly like interior.

The common lumbar disc diseases are:

• Herniated Disc: Displacement of the discs or Herniation can cause compression of the nerves that run along the spine.
• Bulging Disc: Aging may cause the discs to lose water and make it drier. As the discs flatten without water content, it may lead to the deterioration of the outer ring causing the inner soft substance to bulge out.
• Ruptured Disc: The inner portion of the disc or the nucleus ruptures causing excessive pressure on the nerves.

Symptoms

Lower back pain is the most common symptom associated with lumbar disc diseases. The other symptoms are:

• Back pain increases with coughing, sneezing or standing for long periods of time.
• Cramps or spasm experienced in back muscles
• Sciatica, a compression of the sciatic nerve
• Weakness in leg muscles
• Numbness in leg or feet
• Loss of sensation or numbness in legs or feet
• Loss of control in bladder or bowel functions
• Instability and immobility

Causes

The common causes associated with lumbar disc diseases are:

• Aging and disc degeneration
• Injuries
• Accidents

Diagnosis and Treatment

Lumbar disc disease can be diagnosed and confirmed through methods such as:

• Spine X Rays
• MRI Scan
• CT Scan
• Myelogram
• Electromyography (EMG)

The suggested treatments for lumbar disc disease depend on the extent of injury to the disc. Lumbar disc disease can be treated through surgical or non-surgical methods.

Non Surgical Methods:

• Rest and Rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy
• Exercises
• Medication
• Weight Control
• Lifestyle changes
• Back Support
• Massage Therapy

Surgical Methods include:

• Diskectomy
• Micro-diskectomy
• Chemonucleolysis
• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
• Transforamenal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
• Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy
• Laparoscopic Fusion
• Artificial Disc Replacement