What is a Lumbar Disc Herniation?
Lumbar disc herniation is an slipped or ruptured of the intervertebral disc that occurs in the lower or lumbar part of the back. It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain and leg pain (sciatica). Between 60% and 80% of individuals suffer lower back pain at some time in their lives.
Disc Hernation in first person
The first line of treatment for this type of pathology should be conservative. Being conservative is fundamental, unless we are talking about a patient who already has a loss of strength, in other words, foot drop or sphincter trouble. In these cases, surgery is undoubtedly indicated.
When I was younger, I played a lot of sports, like basketball and tennis, and realise they are impact sports that promotes the development of the lesion. It was an evolution over several years until, in the end, the damage led to a slipped disc.
A lumbar disc herniation occurs when an intervertebral disc degenerates and deteriorates. This allows the nucleus pulposus, a gel-like substance at the center of the disc, to protrude through a fissure to the outside of the disc. This displacement can compress nearby nerve roots, causing pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower back and lower limbs.
If the herniation is large and compresses all the nerves in the area, it can lead to what is known as cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency that must be treated urgently.
Common causes of lumbar disc herniation include aging, which leads to disc degeneration, and traumatic injuries, such as lifting heavy objects improperly. Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation, but often include severe lower back pain, sciatica (pain radiating from the lower back down one leg), muscle weakness, and loss of reflexes.
Diagnosis is made through a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Treatment may include conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical interventions such as discectomy in more severe cases.
In most cases, the pain improves with conservative, non-surgical treatment. However, approximately 10% of patients will require surgical intervention.
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Published: 29 October 2019
Updated: 30 July 2025
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