Lumbar disc herniation

A bulging or ruptured lumbar disc that can press on nearby nerves and cause back and leg pain.

Overview

A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the soft inner material of a disc pushes through its outer wall. It may cause local back pain and, if it irritates a nerve root, leg symptoms. Most herniations improve over weeks to months without surgery as the body reabsorbs the displaced material.

Symptoms

  • Lower back pain, sometimes with leg pain
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
  • Pain worse with sitting, bending or coughing
  • Possible weakness in the leg

Causes

  • Age-related disc wear and reduced hydration
  • Sudden loaded bending or lifting
  • Repetitive flexion and loading

Treatment

  • Education and pain control in the acute phase
  • Staying active within tolerable limits
  • Graded loading and nerve mobility exercise
  • Specialist referral for progressive weakness or red flags