A common cause of lower back and leg pain is a ruptured or herniated disc. Patients usually complain of dull or sharp pain, cramping, muscles spasms and in some cases sciatica and leg weakness.
In between each of the five lumbar vertebrae (bones) is a disc which resembles a hard fibrous shock-absorbing pad. At the end of each vertebra are endplates which hold these discs in place. Each individual disc has a tire-like outer casing called the annulus fibrosus. This structure holds inside a gel like substance which is called the nucleus pulposus.
Nerve roots exit the spinal canal through small passageways between the vertebrae and discs. If the disc pushes into the spinal canal or against the nerves than you will experience pain.
Disc herniation occurs when the annulus fibrous breaks open or cracks, allowing the nucleus pulposus which is the gel like centre to escape. This is called a Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP) or herniated disc.
Most disc herniation occurs in section L4 and L5, the L5 nerve trapped by the herniated disc causes back pain and tingling sensations down to the buttocks and legs.
When will the pain subside?
Approximately 90% of people with this condition return to normal activities within 2 months but some patients can take as long as 6 months to recover. The goal of the different treatment options is to reduce irritation of the nerve thereby reducing pain so that you can quickly return to your usual activities.
Non surgical options for herniated disk
1. Pain control
Decreased activity
It is advised that 1 or 2 days of complete bed rest on a firm mattress may reduce symptoms significantly. Some patients find lying on the floor more comfortable. It is advised to limit sitting up in bed and bending, however this can be quite an ordeal for active people who are not used to staying in bed for long periods of time! Do not spend more than 2 days in bed as it may prolong healing.
The most important thing is to seek professional health care advice!
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