Lumbar Disk Disease
What is Lumbar Disk Disease ?
A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions, called disks, that sit between the bones that stack to make the spine. These bones are called vertebrae. A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center called a nucleus. The nucleus is encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior, known as the annulus. A herniated disk occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. A herniated disk is sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk.
A herniated disk, which can occur in any part of the spine, most often occurs in the lower back. Depending on where the herniated disk is, it can result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or a leg. Many people have no symptoms from a herniated disk. For people who do have symptoms, the symptoms tend to improve over time. Surgery is usually not needed to relieve the problem.
Symptoms
- Arm or leg pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Pain comes and goes, lasting for weeks or months at a time
- Pain radiates down your lower back and buttocks
- Pain worsens with sitting, bending or lifting
- Pain can happen in your neck
- Pain can be mild, moderate or severe
- Pain can be sharp, aching or stiff
Cause
Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As people age, the disks become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. Most people can’t pinpoint the cause of their herniated disk. Sometimes, using the back muscles instead of the leg and thigh muscles to lift heavy objects can lead to a herniated disk. Twisting and turning while lifting also can cause a herniated disk. Rarely, a traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the back is the cause.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase the risk of a herniated disk include Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in the lower back. Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways, and twisting can also increase the risk of a herniated disk. Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk. Smoking. It’s thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to disks, causing them to break down more quickly. Frequent driving. Being seated for long periods, combined with the vibration from a motor vehicle engine, can put pressure on the spine. Being sedentary. Regular exercise can help prevent a herniated disk.
When to see a Doctor
Seek medical care if your neck or back pain travels down your arm or leg, or if you also have numbness, tingling, or weakness.