What Causes Lumbar Disc Herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation indicates the squeezing out of the disc's central component out of its actual place. It is commonly called a slipped disc, but the disc never actually slips. People in the age group of 30 to 40 years are generally known to be affected by it.

Lumbar disc herniation occurs with the nucleus located in the center of the disc getting out of its original space. This nucleus then reaches the annulus and presses against it, and this causes the outward bulging of the disc. In some cases, the nucleus is herniated completely and gets squeezed out of the disc.

The pressing of nucleus against the annulus can be caused by daily activities, but the body usually resists this pressure. With the increase in age, the annulus tears and cracks and gets filled in with scar tissues. This whole process is called degeneration.

The annulus gets weak with time and the nucleus begins to squeeze through it. At first it bulges outward due to the pressure. And with time, it completely herniates out of the disc's outer ring.

The symptoms of lumbar disc herniation change gradually. First, the patient suffers from dull pain in the lower back. This pain continues for a few years. According to doctors, it is mainly caused due to a small tear in the annulus. However, the pain spreads to the buttocks or lower limbs in case of a large crack in the annulus.

Immediate symptoms, such as pain starting from one hip to another, and then traveling in the leg are caused by the complete herniation of the disc. This happens because when the nucleus pushes through completely, the annulus is relieved of the painful tension.

Another symptom is inflammation, which happens whenever the nucleus comes in contact with the blood inside the body. The inflammation causes unbearable pain in the lower back, which then spreads into hips and buttocks.

The symptoms of nerve compression can result from a herniated disc pressing against the spinal nerve. The pain in the nerves usually travels into the lower limbs. The pain can be felt in the foot, toes, and calf and in any side of the upper thigh.

In some cases, the treatment is done through a back support belt that reduces the pressure on the disc. Some medications are also prescribed to treat lumbar spine herniation. A case of acute lumbar spine herniation demands surgery.

The doctors usually advise surgery when the patient experiences weakening of the leg muscles, unbearable pain, and a problem in the bladder or the bowels. Whatever be the case, ignoring a lumbar disc herniation will prove to be a mistake because suffering from this problem throughout your life will cause your quality of life to suffer greatly.

Degenerative Spine