Disc Prolapse - Low Back Ache

Low back pain and disc prolapse (herniated disc) are common problems.¹ Here's a summary of their symptoms and treatment:

Understanding Disc Prolapse:

• Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine.²
• A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a disc pushes through a crack in the tough outer layer.³
• This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.⁴

Symptoms:

• Low Back Pain:
  • This is the most common symptom. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain.⁵
• Sciatica:
  • If the herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, you may experience pain that radiates down your buttock and leg, sometimes into your foot.⁶
  • This pain can be described as burning, tingling, or a sharp, electric-like sensation.⁷
• Numbness or Tingling:
  • You may feel numbness or tingling in your leg or foot.⁸
• Muscle Weakness:
  • In severe cases, the affected nerve can cause muscle weakness in your leg or foot.⁹
• Cauda Equina Syndrome (Rare):
  • This is a medical emergency.¹⁰ Symptoms include severe pain, numbness or weakness in both legs, and loss of bowel or bladder control.¹¹ Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Treatment:

• Conservative Treatment (Most Common):
  • Rest:
    • Short periods of rest can help alleviate pain.¹² However, prolonged bed rest is not recommended.
  • Pain Medication:
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain.¹³
    • Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants.¹⁴
  • Physical Therapy:
    • A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your back muscles, improve flexibility, and relieve pain.¹⁵
  • Epidural Steroid Injections:
    • These injections can help reduce inflammation and pain around the affected nerve.¹⁶
• Surgical Treatment (Less Common):
  • Surgery is typically considered only if conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if you experience severe symptoms, such as muscle weakness or cauda equina syndrome.¹⁷
  • Discectomy:
    • This is the most common surgical procedure for a herniated disc. It involves removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerve.

Prevention:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight:
  • Excess weight puts extra stress on your spine.¹⁸
• Exercise Regularly:
  • Strengthening your core muscles can help support your spine.¹⁹
• Practice Good Posture:
  • Proper posture can reduce stress on your spine.²⁰
• Lift Heavy Objects Properly:
  • Use your legs, not your back, when lifting heavy objects.²¹
• Avoid Smoking:
  • Smoking can reduce blood flow to the discs in your spine.²²

When to See a Doctor:

• If you experience severe back pain that radiates down your leg.²³
• If you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg or foot.²⁴
• If you experience loss of bowel or bladder control.

It is important to remember that this information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.