Lumbar Herniated Disc

A loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area, and/or weakness in both legs are signs of a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome. Pressure and swelling of the nerves at the end of the spinal column can lead to paralysis and other permanent impairments if treatment is delayed.

Lumbar Herniated Disc

Vertebral discs are rubbery pads that sit between the vertebrae. Northshore spine surgeon, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, tells us to think of a disc like a jelly doughnut. A disc serves as a shock absorber for the spine. When a vertebral disc ruptures, its soft center can press against the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain. A herniated disc can happen in any portion of the spine, but are most common in the cervical spine and the lumbar spine.

Herniated discs occur most often in the lumbar spine. A herniated lumbar disc creates pain and numbness in the buttock and down the leg, commonly known as sciatica. Sciatica may also be referred to by its main medical term, radiculopathy.

Symptoms
Dull or throbbing lower back pain

Lower back stiffness and/or muscle spasms

Leg pain radiating along the path of the large sciatic nerve in back of the leg

Searing, radiating, sharp, or electric pain in one leg

Numbness, weakness, and/or tingling in the leg, foot, and/or toes

Drop foot – difficulty lifting the foot when walking or standing on the ball of the foot

Pain following sitting or standing for a long time

Intense leg pain when bending forward at the waist
Treatment Options

Northshore surgeons, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, Dr. Justin L. Owen, Dr. Sean Michael Rider and Dr. Jeremy James are conservative, minimally-invasive spine surgeons. At AVALA Spine we will work with you to treat a herniated disc first. Treatment normally starts with rest and pain medications, followed by physical therapy, and then nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotics and muscle relaxers. Exercise and proper diet are important for managing the pain, especially among overweight patients. Steroid injections administered to the back of the herniated disc can decrease pain and swelling for several months.

If nothing else works, a minimally invasive surgery may be best for you
Potential Minimally Invasive Procedures
Laminectomy

Discectomy

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

AVALA Spine offers spinal procedures using minimally invasive techniques. It means smaller incisions, sometimes less than an inch, that is often covered with a band-aid. The minimally invasive spine surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through the tiny incisions to access the damaged disc. Unlike traditional “open” spine surgery, entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues. Less muscle and tissue damage results in less pain and a faster recovery. Click here to learn more.

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, AVALA Spine provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. AVALA Spine is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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