Lumbar Disc Herniation

The spine is an integral element for the normal functioning of the body. The spine helps us to stand straight and bend.

The spinal column is mainly segmented into:

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

The vertebrae (bony structure) run down the spinal canal protecting it from the skull to the pelvis. The vertebrae are filled with soft discs that cushion the bony structure. Injuries or accidents may cause displacement (Herniation) of these discs in the lumbar region. This is known as "Lumbar Disc Herniation". These discs may also rupture causing the jelly like substance at the centre of the discs to ooze out of these discs.

Disc Herniation or rupture can cause excessive pressure on the nerves that run along the spine. Compression of nerves can cause pain, numbness and immobility. Lumbar Disc Herniation is the most common cause of lower back pain.

Symptoms

The common symptoms associated with Lumbar Disc Herniation are:

Severe pain in the lower back
Pain extending to buttocks, legs, feet
Loss of sensation or numbness in legs, feet
Cramping of muscles
Weakness in legs, feet

Causes

Degeneration of the discs in the lumbar spine leads to Lumbar Disc Herniation. This condition is caused by:

Aging
Sports Injuries
Accidents

Diagnosis and Treatment

Lumbar Disc Herniation can be diagnosed and confirmed through:

Spine X Rays
EMG
CT Scan
MRI Scan
Myelogram

Lumbar Disc Herniation can be treated through surgical or non surgical methods depending on the extent of the Herniation.

Non Surgical Methods:

Rest and Rehabilitation
Physical exercises
Medication

Surgical Methods:

Discectomy
Micro-discectomy
Chemonucleolysis
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Transforamenal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy
Laparoscopic Fusion
Laminotomy
Artificial Disc Replacement