Lumbar disc hernia (low back hernia)
What is it?
The spine consists of several vertebral bodies. Between these vertebral bodies are intervertebral discs. With a disc hernia, you have a bulge of an intervertebral disc. This bulge exerts pressure on the nerve that runs in the spinal canal.
Symptoms
You usually experience back pain. If the bulge presses on a nerve, it causes nerve pain that can radiate to the leg (sciatica pain). Furthermore, you may also experience tingling, numbness (voiding) and loss of strength.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Firstly, an attempt is made to solve the problem in a nonoperative way. You will be given anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication. Combined with a period of rest, this may already reduce your symptoms. If that does not bring improvement, the doctor will proceed to cortisone-based infiltrations. You can read more about the treatment at the link below.
When pain remains present after previous treatments, surgery may be necessary. A microdiscectomy involves removing the herniated disc from the spinal canal through a small incision. A physical therapist will guide you during your recovery.
Want to know more about your rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation for this condition is part of our orthopaedic rehabilitation program. You can read more about it at the link below.
Departments
Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please contact the orthopaedics department.