Lumbar disc herniation

Lumbar disc herniation: definition

Lumbar disc herniation is very common in the population. Lumbar disc herniations can compress a nerve in the low back and can cause back and leg pain, numbness and weakness in the leg, and rarely more severe problems. Lumbar discs are a common cause of disability in all age groups.

Disc herniations are diagnosed using MR imaging. Most lumbar disc herniations are treated conservatively, and a significant number of treatments used for disc herniation are controversial. A minority of lumbar disc herniations will require surgical treatment.

How do you know what treatment is best for you?

Simple analgesic medications are almost always used as a first-line treatment. Spinal injections are useful, particularly for short-term pain relief. They are less helpful in the chronic phase of a disc herniation. An expert surgical opinion is always useful to guide appropriate management. Surgery is indicated in a minority of patients.

Discuss with your family doctor whether you need a lumbar spine MRI and if you need to see a surgical specialist.