Lumbar Disc Herniation
Displacement of disc material in the lower spine that compresses a nerve root, causing shooting leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weaknes
Symptoms
- Lower back pain
- Shooting leg pain (sciatica)
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Tingling sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Pain while sitting
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced reflexes
- Pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency symptom)
Displacement of disc material in the lower spine that compresses a nerve root, causing shooting leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness. It results from age-related disc degeneration or sudden strain. Most cases improve within 6-12 weeks with physiotherapy, NSAIDs, and activity modification. Epidural steroid injections help persistent pain. Surgery—microdiscectomy, now often done through a tubular minimally invasive approach—is offered for significant weakness, cauda equina symptoms, or pain not responding to conservative treatment, with excellent outcomes for leg pain relief.
