A lumbar disc herniation (herniated disc) is a rupture and/or bulge of an intervertebral disc in the lower back. The condition results when a disc moves out of place or bulges and puts pressure on the adjacent nerves or nerve roots. This type of injury is relatively common. Repetitive improper lifting movements, being overweight, and high-impact injury can cause a disc to herniate. Also, with ageing, discs start to degenerate; they dry out and may become cracked and torn. In addition, certain genetic factors may also predispose a person to disc degeneration and herniated disc.

The good news is at Genesis Pain Clinic, Hyderabad you can find relief or even experience a full recovery from the chronic pain.

Signs & Symptoms

Pain that can range from a dull ache to throbbing pain. Sciatica is a certain type of nerve pain that can be caused by a herniated lumbar disc compressing the sciatic nerves, (originates in the spine and extends down the legs). When a disc protrudes and presses on the sciatic nerve, the pain extends from the buttock and thigh down into the leg and below the knee, sometimes even into the foot.

1. Numbness, tingling or burning sensation in the leg or foot
2. Muscle spasms or weakness, abnormal reflexes, etc
3. Loss of bladder/bowel control

Common Causes

For confirmation of disc prolapse or sciatica, imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are prescribed.
X-rays fail to show accurate results, especially for soft tissues such as discs and nerves.
Further tests such as nerve conduction studies and an electromyogram (EMG) are needed to confirm the cause of the pain

Diagnosis

Herniated discs and sciatica often heal on their own with appropriate medications for pain and spasm, injections, physical therapy, etc. However, if the symptoms progress and if neurologic problems (such as shooting pain or numbness in the leg) become severe, or if weakness in the leg or foot gets worse, surgery may be indicated.

Non-surgical Treatment

The first line of treatment is usually non-surgical therapies. The exception is when the patient experiences bladder or bowel weakness. Non-operative treatments include strengthening exercises, physical therapy, chiropractic, epidural injections, pain medications, and anti-inflammatory medications, including steroids.

Epidural Nerve Block: It is a common pain management therapy for back pain due to spinal stenosis, herniated disc, or sciatica. During the procedure, corticosteroid medication is injected into the epidural space of the spinal column.

Epidural injections ensure the powerful anti-inflammatory medication reaches directly into the irritated, inflamed areas of the spine.