Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Lumbar Disc Prolapse (also called a herniated or slipped disc) happens when a disc in your lower back moves out of its usual place. This can press on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

Anatomy and Function

  • Intervertebral Discs: These are cushions between the bones in your spine that act like shock absorbers and help your spine move.
  • Lumbar Spine: The lower part of your spine, made up of five bones (L1-L5).

How It Happens

  • Prolapse: The outer layer of the disc can tear or weaken, letting the inner gel-like part bulge out.
  • Nerve Pressure: The bulging disc can press on nearby nerves, causing symptoms.

Symptoms

  • Lower Back Pain: Ongoing or occasional pain in the lower back.
  • Sciatica: Pain that travels down the leg because of nerve pressure.
  • Numbness and Tingling: Sensation changes in the leg or foot.
  • Muscle Weakness: Weakness in muscles controlled by the affected nerve.
  • Bladder or Bowel Issues: In serious cases, loss of control over bladder or bowel functions.

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Aging: Discs wear down over time.
  • Injury: Sudden trauma or improper lifting of heavy items.
  • Genetics: Family history of disc problems.
  • Obesity: Extra weight puts stress on the lower back.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Insufficient physical activity

Diagnosis

  • Physical Exam: Checking reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
  • Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans to see the extent of disc movement and nerve pressure.

Treatment

  • Non-Surgical Treatments:
    • Rest and Activity Changes: Avoid activities that make symptoms worse.
    • Physical Therapy: Exercises designed to strengthen back muscles and enhance flexibility.
    • Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants.
  • Injections: Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, removing or repairing the damaged disc through surgery.

Prevention

  • Exercise Regularly: Strengthen back and core muscles.
  • Maintain Good Posture: Use proper ergonomics when sitting, standing, and lifting.
  • Keep a Healthy Weight: Reduces stress on your spine.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking can speed up disc degeneration.

Lumbar disc prolapse can seriously impact your life, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, you can find relief and stay active.

FAQs

Lumbar disc prolapse typically causes lower back pain, pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica), numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, muscle weakness in the affected area, and In serious instances, individuals may experience difficulties controlling their bladder or bowels.

Diagnosis of lumbar disc prolapse usually involves a physical examination to check reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation. Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, are used to confirm the extent of disc movement and nerve compression.

Treatment options include conservative methods like rest, activity modification, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, and medications for pain relief. In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as discectomy or laminectomy, to remove or repair the prolapsed disc.