Herniated Disc Knee Pain: Causes And Treatments

Our research indicates that the spine and knee are connected through the nervous system. When a herniated disc causes pain or weakness in the lower back and legs, it can change the way a person walks or moves. 

This altered gait can place excess stress on the knee joint, leading to pain or discomfort that wasn't originally present. In such cases, addressing the underlying spinal issue can often alleviate the knee pain.

The sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower back, plays a crucial role in lower body function and can be involved in knee pain when a herniated disc compresses or irritates it. 

The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, running from the lumbar spine down through the hips, thighs, and legs. When a herniated disc presses against the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, it can lead to sciatica, a condition characterized by pain that radiates down the leg.

Although the sciatic nerve does not directly affect the knee joint, it can cause what is known as referred pain, which may manifest as knee pain. 

Most obviously, knee pain that is accompanied by back pain is a strong indicator that the source of the discomfort may be related to a spinal condition. 

A herniated disc in the lower back can cause both back and knee pain, as it often affects the nerves that run down the legs. 

Tightness in the hamstrings, when combined with knee pain, can suggest that the source of discomfort lies in the spine. The hamstrings are often affected by altered posture or muscle imbalances.

Weakness in the hips or quadriceps in conjunction with knee pain can indicate that the pain is originating from the spine. 

A herniated disc or another lumbar spine condition can impair nerve function, leading to muscle weakness in the legs, including the hips and quadriceps, which are critical for proper knee function. 

Numbness or tingling in the leg, when combined with knee pain, is a strong indicator that the pain is related to a spinal issue.

Numbness or tingling in the leg can accompany knee pain when the nerve pathways are disrupted, leading to abnormal sensations in the knee and the surrounding areas. 

Differentiating between knee and back-related pain requires careful assessment of the patient’s symptoms and movement patterns. 

Common non-surgical options include physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and posture correction.

• Physical Therapy and Exercises: Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles that support the spine, such as the core and lower back muscles, to reduce strain on the disc and alleviate pain. In addition to strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises are important for improving the range of motion in the spine, reducing stiffness, and preventing further injury. While physical therapy is crucial for overall spine health, it is not sufficient on its own to address the pain caused by a herniated disc.
• Medications and Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can provide relief from pain and swelling. In more severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve root. For persistent or severe pain, opioid medications may be prescribed, although these come with risks. Nerve pain medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin may be used to target nerve-related pain specifically. However, medications only mask the symptoms of a herniated disc and do not treat the underlying cause of pain. 

Surgical treatments for a herniated disc are considered when conservative methods fail to provide relief, or if the pain significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life. 

Traditional surgical options include discectomy, where the damaged portion of the disc is removed, or spinal fusion, which involves fusing two vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.

Our findings show that these options are highly invasive and come with a high risk of complications, including infection, nerve damage, and prolonged recovery times. 

Spinal fusion can limit movement in the spine, which may lead to further complications at adjacent spinal segments over time.

There is a better way.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat herniated discs without the need for fusion or major surgery. This advanced technique makes use of a laser to remove the herniated inner dic material, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. 

Based on our observations, one of the key advantages of Deuk Laser Disc Repair is its ability to preserve spinal motion. The procedure is performed through a small incision and is conducted on an outpatient basis.

Patients recover more quickly than with traditional open surgeries.  With a success rate of over 95%, Deuk Laser Disc Repair has proven to be a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgical treatments.

Strengthening the core and back muscles is essential in preventing knee pain associated with a herniated disc. A strong abdomen, lower back, and pelvis play a key role in stabilizing the spine and reducing strain on the discs. 

Strengthening these muscles by doing planks, bridges, and targeted back extensions can help alleviate pressure on the spine and prevent further damage. 

Poor posture from sitting or standing for long periods can exacerbate spinal issues and increase the risk of a herniated disc. 

Keeping the spine properly aligned while sitting, standing, or lifting can help distribute pressure evenly across the spine, preventing disc issues and, indirectly, knee pain.

When moving or lifting objects, it's important to use correct mechanics to avoid straining the back. Bending at the knees and hips, rather than the waist, can help reduce pressure on the spine and prevent disc herniation.

Long-term pain management strategies are used when surgery, medication, or physical therapy fails. A few strategies include low-impact exercises such as swimming or walking.

While these methods can contribute to long-term pain management, we at Deuk Spine Institute offer a more permanent solution by addressing the root cause of pain: the herniated disc itself.