ABOUT
Lumbar disc herniation is essentially the displacement of disc material, analogous to the jelly in a jelly donut squeezing through the outer doughy ring. The most common symptom of lumbar disc herniation is pain, which typically presents in the buttock and spreads down the back of the thigh (sometimes spreading to the outside of the calf). The location of the herniation affects the location of the pain as it involves pressure and irritation of a specific nerve root. Simple back pain is usually the first symptom, which progresses into leg pain. Yet, with the onset of leg pain, back pain usually diminishes. Additionally, bowel movements, coughing and/or sneezing agitate leg pain, causing it to worsen.
TREATMENT
Treatment for lumbar disc herniation falls into one of two categories: Conservative (non-surgical) and surgical. One exception, however, would be in cases of cauda equina syndrome—or a sudden loss of foot strength or urinary problems. In such cases, surgery is always considered the first approach to treatment.
Overall, non-surgical management involves a focus to reduce pressure on the nerve root. Flexing the hips and knees while resting frequently helps reduce pain, but bed rest should not go on for more than two to four days. Lifting, bending, twisting and prolonged sitting ought to be avoided. Medication such as an anti-inflammatory like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may be taken.
Surgical treatment is reserved for those who exhibit the signs and symptoms requiring urgent attention, or for patients who failed conservative management after roughly six to eight weeks.