What is a lumbar herniated disc?
This compression can cause lower back pain, as well as discomfort extending toward the buttock or leg. The intensity and type of symptoms may vary depending on the hernia location and the affected nerve root.
Symptoms of a Lumbar Herniated Disc
- Lower Back Pain.
- Pain that radiates toward the buttock or leg.
- Sciatica.
- Tingling or loss of sensation.
- Feeling of weakness in the leg or foot.
- Discomforts that increase upon sit down, cough, or perform certain movements.
Not all people present the same symptoms. Furthermore, a hernia can appear on an MRI without necessarily being the cause of the pain. That is why it is important match the images with the patient's symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
Also reviewed:
- The duration of pain.
- The area toward which it radiates.
- The possible loss of strength or sensitivity.
- The previously performed treatments.
- The imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging.
Resonance is important, but must not be interpreted in isolation. The treatment is decided by evaluating the case set.
What treatments are available?
Many herniated discs can improve without the need for surgery. Treatment is chosen individually, taking into account symptoms, the time course of the condition, the neurological examination, and imaging tests.
Among the options that can be considered are:
- Medication to control pain and inflammation.
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy.
- Temporal adaptation of the activity.
- Interventional treatments in select cases.
- Surgery when there is a clear medical indication.
When symptoms persist, a loss of strength or there is significant nerve compression, an intervention can be considered. In certain cases, Endoscopic spine surgery allows to treat compression by means of a minimally invasive technique.
When is spinal surgery considered?
Surgery is not indicated solely because there is an abnormality on an MRI. It is evaluated when there is a clear relationship between symptoms, neurological examination, and imaging tests.
The following are also taken into account:
- The pain intensity.
- The duration of the symptoms.
- The loss of strength or sensitivity.
- The limitation in walking or performing daily activities.
- The response to previous treatments.
- The impact on the quality of life.
The recommendation must be tailored to each patient. In some cases, the most appropriate course of action will be to continue with a conservative treatment. In others, an intervention can help release nerve compression and improve function.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I consult a specialist?
It is advisable to request an evaluation when the pain persists, radiates to the leg, limits daily activities, or appears weakness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
Do all herniated discs require surgery?
No. Many herniated discs can improve with conservative treatment, such as medication, rehabilitation, or physical therapy. Surgery is only considered when there is a clear medical indication.
Can a herniated disc cause leg pain?
Yes. When the herniated disc compresses a nerve root, the pain can spread from the lower back toward the glute, leg or foot. Tingling or loss of sensation may also occur.
Is an MRI sufficient to decide on treatment?
No. The MRI provides important information, but it must be evaluated along with the symptoms, neurological examination, and previously performed treatments.
When can endoscopic spine surgery be considered?
It can be considered in selected cases when there is a significant nerve compression and symptoms do not improve with other treatments. The indication depends on the characteristics of each patient and the location of the hernia.
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