What is a herniated disc?
Between each two bones in your spine sits a soft cushion called a disc. Each disc has a tough outer ring and a soft jelly-like center. When the outer ring weakens or tears, the soft center can push out and press on a nearby nerve root. This is a herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc.
Causes
- Normal wear of the discs with age
- Heavy lifting with poor body mechanics
- Sudden twisting or trauma
- Repeated bending or strain at work
- Genetics — some people are simply more prone to disc problems
Symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain that shoots from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling along the leg
- Weakness in a specific muscle group, such as raising the foot or pushing off the toes
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Many people have some back pain too, but leg symptoms are usually worse than the back pain.
Treatment options
Nonsurgical care (first choice for most people)
- Activity changes and short periods of rest
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injection
Most herniated discs improve within 6 to 12 weeks without surgery. The disc material often shrinks on its own.
Surgical care
Surgery (usually a microdiscectomy) may be recommended if leg pain is severe, lasts more than several weeks despite good nonsurgical care, or if there is progressive weakness. The surgeon removes the piece of disc pressing on the nerve through a small incision. Most patients feel leg pain relief soon after surgery.