Lumbar Disc Disease is a herniated or bulging disc in the lower part or lumbar of the back.
The lumbar spine is five segments in the lower back. Lumbar disc disease occurs in this area of the spine. The spine is made up of five bones, or vertebrae, which are separated by discs filled with a jelly-like substance. Over time, with aging, discs lose their fluid and get dried out. This drying out in the tough, outer part of the disc compresses the disc and causes the jelly-like substance in the middle to bulge out or come out. This is called a herniated or bulging disc.
Lumbar disc disease is due to a change in the structure of the disc, usually from aging and normal wear and tear. Sometimes trauma can cause a normal disc to herniate, or cause an already problematic disc to worsen.
Herniated discs are most common in the lumbar spine. Symptoms of lumbar disc disease vary based on where the disc is herniated, and what nerve it is pushing on. Symptoms include back pain, spasms, sciatica (pain that starts in the back or buttocks and travels down the leg), muscle weakness in legs, numbness or changes in bladder or bowel function.
A physician can diagnose lumbar disc disease. There are many treatments available for lumbar disc disease, both surgical and non-surgical. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, rest, losing weight, medicine or using a back support brace. There are many surgical options if conservative treatments do not work including spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement. At Microsurgical Spine Center, we have expertise in these procedures and guide patients to the course of treatment that is right for them.
If you are experiencing back pain, spasms or sciatica, contact us. Or call our dedicated Medical Concierge at 800-890-1964 to learn more or set up an appointment.
