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Lumbar Disc Herniation & Radiculopathy

What is lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy?

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the soft nucleus inside a spinal disc in the lower back protrudes through the tougher exterior. This can irritate or compress nearby spinal nerves, leading to radiculopathy—a condition characterised by pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the lower back into the legs and feet.

Symptoms

Patients with lumbar disc herniation often experience:

  • Lower back pain
  • Radiating leg pain, sometimes described as sciatica
  • Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
  • Muscle weakness in the lower limbs
  • Difficulty standing or walking in severe cases

Causes

Common causes include:

  • Age-related wear and tear of spinal discs
  • Sudden injury or strain
  • Repetitive movements or heavy lifting
  • Postural problems and spinal alignment issues

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • A detailed physical and neurological examination
  • Imaging studies such as MRI to visualise disc herniation and nerve involvement
  • Nerve conduction studies in select cases to evaluate nerve function

Treatment and Surgical Management

Initial management focuses on non-surgical strategies:

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Pain relief medication
  • Activity modification

Surgical treatment is considered when symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative care. Surgery aims to:

  • Relieve nerve compression
  • Restore function
  • Minimise recovery time