Herniated Disc

What is a Lumbar Disc?

A lumbar disc is a natural shock absorbing mechanism located between each of the five lumbar vertebrae (bones). It is a circular in shape and is made of a tough fibrous material, held in position by vertebral endplates of cartilage and associated ligaments.

Each lumbar disc consists of a flexible outer wall, called the annulus fibrosus. The centre of which is hollow and contains a gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus.

How does pain occur?

Various nerves leave the spinal canal through pathways located between each vertebrae. If the disc located between two vertebrae becomes distorted or damaged it may cause pressure to bear (impingement) on the nerve at that point and cause severe pain.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A ruptured or herniated lumbar disc may cause severe pain in the lower back or legs. The symptoms experienced may be varied, such as a constant, intermittent or shooting pain in the lower back or down the leg(s), muscle spasm, cramp and weakness or loss of leg movement. Sciatica is often associated with a lumbar herniated disc. 

Why do discs herniate?

A number of factors contribute to the deterioration of discs. The dynamics of normal wear and tear, injury, and aging all can affect the structural integrity of discs. Fortunately, the majority of herniated or ruptured discs do not require surgical intervention but may respond well to Sciatic Exercises. 

There are four variations of disc problems that may occur;

• Aging and normal wear and tear causes bones and discs to degenerate due to chemical changes within the body. This is a natural process but should the disc generate to such an extent that it distorts, it may impinge on the associated nerve roots located in that region.
  
• The shape or position of the disc may change due to some outside influence, such as twisting, jumping or lifting heavy objects. These actions place undue pressure on the disc and may cause it to 'bulge' and trap the nerve root in that area. This is called a Prolapsed' or 'Bulging' disc.
  
• If the pressure on the disc becomes excessive, the gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) in the centre of the disc may breach the fibrous outer layer and leak out (extrude) around the disc itself. This action may also cause pressure (impinge) the nerve root in that area which may also cause severe pain. This is called a disc extrusion and is classified as a true herniated disc.
  
• If the gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) spreads into the spinal canal it can also cause pressure (impinge) on the nerve root in that area. Unfortunately, the nucleus pulposus also contains a chemical that irritates the nerve roots causing inflammation. These two conditions may both cause severe pain. This is called a Sequestered disc and is also classified as a true herniated disc.