Herniated disc
What is a herniated disc?
In the case of a herniated or slipped disc, part of the disc has leaked out. In principle this is not yet a problem. It only becomes problematic when this prolapse exerts pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing symptoms to occur. This can manifest as pain, numbness and weakness in the legs or arms. Although herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, they most commonly occur in the lumbar spine (lower back).
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The microscopic removal of lumbar disc herniation is the operation that we perform most frequently.
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How does lumbar disc herniation occur?
Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the soft, jelly-like nuclei of an intervertebral disc in the lower part of the back (lumbar spine) slips or bulges out of their normal position.
Our video shows this process using an anatomical model. You can see the inner part of the disc leaking out, creating an acute herniated disc.
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This can put pressure on adjoining nerves, causing pain, numbness or weakness in the lower back and legs. However, if the herniated disc does not put pressure on the nerves, the body can often resolve it on its own without medical intervention.
What are the symptoms and how does it feel?
One of the most common symptoms of lumbar disc herniation is pain radiating to one leg.
In the days or weeks preceding the onset of this pain, there may be a period of back pain, but this is not always the case. The radiating pain can be compared to the electric tingling sensation you experience after bumping your elbow.
Sometimes it's described as the sensation of a burning knife stabbing your back and radiating from the lower back through to the leg. Moreover, numbness, strange sensations and tingling in the leg may occur, similar to the feeling of “itchy ants crawling down your leg” or a sensation of the foot or parts of the leg being "asleep" or paralysed.
The situation gets worse when the muscles lose their strength, so you can no longer walk on your tiptoes, your heels or can no longer squat on one leg.
It is crucial to respond immediately when these symptoms occur. If you wait until you lose control of your urine or stool, the nerve damage might already be permanent.
Are you experiencing one or more of these symptoms? Don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Feel free to contact us for medical information and learn about our treatment options.
Causes of lumbar disc herniation
One of the main causes of herniated discs is the evolutionary process. Since humans have been walking upright, the intervertebral discs have been under greater stress. The factors below also play a role in causing lumbar disc herniation:
Aging
As we age, the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity and are more prone to rupture and sagging.
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Weight
Being overweight puts extra pressure on the spine and increases the risk of a herniated disc.
Bad posture
Prolonged sitting or incorrect posture can put extra pressure on the spine and increase the risk of a herniated disc.
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Heavy physical exertion
Lifting, pushing or carrying heavy objects can increase pressure on the spine and increase the risk of a herniated disc.
MRI with herniated disc L5/S1
The importance of the MRI in the diagnosis of a herniated disc
For the diagnosis and specific treatment of a herniated disc an MRI is crucial. Herniated discs are not visible on an X-Ray.
Unlike X-rays, an MRI works with strong magnets.
Take a moment to look at the attached MRI scan. Here a herniated disc can be seen in the MRI image.
It shows a herniated disc between L5 and S1 pressing backwards into the spinal canal and on the nerves leading to the leg. The patient in this scan experienced burning pain and tingling that extended from his buttocks to his left little toe.
If you suspect you have a herniated disc and have not yet had an MRI, contact your general practitioner or us directly.
We can usually arrange an MRI appointment for you within a few days and discuss the results with you immediately afterwards.
There are several treatment options for lumbar disc herniation, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. Lumbar disc herniation can leave you feeling quite out of sorts. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to help relieve your pain and restore your mobility. You can read more about these options in our comprehensive guide:
Conservative treatment options:
These include medications such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve posture, injections to relieve pain and manual therapy to improve spinal function.
If conservative treatments are not effective, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as the microscopic removal of the herniated disc.
A common procedure is the 3D microdiscectomy, a minimally invasive surgical intervention, in which the herniated tissue and sometimes a small portion of the damaged intervertebral disc is removed to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Read more about the conservative and surgical treatment options of lumbar disc herniation
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Frequently Asked Questions about
herniated discs
What exactly is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc happens when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain or numbness.
Do I always need surgery for a herniated disc?
Not at all. Most herniated discs can be managed without surgery. Surgery is usually only considered if pain is severe or there's a risk of permanent nerve damage.
Is a slipped disc the same as a herniated disc?
Yes – “slipped disc” is the more common term, but “herniated disc” is the medical one.
Why is the pain worse when I cough or sneeze?
Coughing or sneezing increases pressure in your spine, which can aggravate the bulging disc and cause more pain.
Will I need an MRI?
Yes. An MRI is the best way to see a herniated disc and understand how much pressure it’s placing on nerves.
Can I travel for treatment abroad?
Yes, and many UK patients choose Go2Spine for fast access to specialist care in Germany, with no waiting lists and excellent outcomes.