Formation of a Herniated Disc in the Lower Back

A herniated disc in the lower back is one of the more common spinal conditions. The lower back, comprised as the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine, are highly complex and flexible segments with many working components. This area also is responsible for supporting the entirety of the upper body's weight. Because of these factors, the lumbar and sacral spine are particularly susceptible to the effects of wear and tear over time.

Age-Related Herniated Disc Development

Degenerative changes take place throughout the spine as we grow older, but these changes may be more apparent in the lower back, which takes the brunt of the body's weight as well as everyday movements like sitting, standing, bending, and twisting. One of the main occurrences of age-related degeneration is the dehydration of the intervertebral discs. The spongy discs are a combination of mostly water, collagen, and protein material, and act as shock absorbers for the spine. The tough outer wall, or annulus fibrosus, contains the disc's inner gelatinous core (nucleus pulposus). As a disc loses water content, the annulus fibrosus weakens and the disc begins shrinking in height. Yet, the pressure exerted on the disc from the adjacent vertebrae is maintained, causing the nucleus pulposus to be forced against the outer wall of the disc. A bulging disc occurs if the outer wall becomes misshapen as a result of this pressure, and bulges past its normal boundary. Similarly, a herniated disc in the lower back forms when the fibers of the annulus fibrosus tear apart and release a portion of the nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal.

Sometimes, in addition to being the result of age-related spinal degeneration, a herniated disc can develop as a result of traumatic injury, genetics, repetitive movements, and abnormal stresses (as in labor-intensive occupations and professional athletics), or sudden twisting or turning motions.

Potential Symptoms

It is possible for a herniated disc in the lower back to be completely asymptomatic. However, a variety of symptoms can develop for several reasons. For starters, the damaged disc itself can cause pain, particularly if inflammation-inducing chemicals inside the disc irritate the disc's tiny nerve fibers on its outer wall. Furthermore, if the extruded disc material pushes against a delicate neural structure, such as the spinal cord or a nerve root, localized pain may develop in the area of compression. Radiating symptoms of numbness, weakness, tingling, and pain may also arise and affect the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and feet.

Treatments

After confirming a herniated disc in the lower back is the cause of a patient's discomfort, a doctor will likely recommend several conservative (nonsurgical) treatments to help alleviate pain. These might include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and low-impact exercise, among others. Most patients with herniated disc symptoms find relief with a course of conservative methods, so surgery is seldom needed as treatment.