Herniated disc

The spine is made up of vertebrae, which are separated by soft and flexible intervertebral discs and soft tissues such as small joints; each disc is protected by a strong outer ring of fibres.

The intervertebral discs provide cushioning between vertebrae and absorb pressure put on the spine, so that we can move flexibly and reduce the damage caused by shock. When the disc begins to degenerate or is injured, the fibrous ring of the disc is prone to rupture, causing the nucleus pulposus to herniate, and eventually compress the spinal nerves.

Symptoms

• Lumbar disc herniation is more likely to occur in the posterior or posterolateral area of the spine: if the herniation occurs in the posterior area, it will cause lower back pain; if the herniation occurs in the posterolateral area, it may compress the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica. The pain will extend through the hips and buttocks to the back of the thighs, and then to the calves, heels, and even the toes.

Suggestions

Lumbar disc herniation doesn’t necessarily require surgery. Normally, non-surgical therapy will be offered first, and surgery is recommended if symptoms do not improve.

Medication and rest are the simplest ways to relieve pain caused by acute lumbar disc herniation. However, if the symptoms persist, non-invasive therapy can be used to improve the strength, flexibility and endurance of the back and core muscles. The use of spinal decompression table or manipulation might also help accelerate self-healing of the disc.