Herniated Disc Lower Back

A herniated disc is a type of degenerative disc disease that occurs in the lower back.

This condition can result from excessive strain or age-related degeneration. The lumbar spine is particularly prone to disc herniation due to its role in supporting body weight and facilitating movement. That said, a herniated neck disc is also a common occurrence.

Our research indicates that the lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (L1-L5), separated by intervertebral discs. These discs serve as shock absorbers, maintaining flexibility and cushioning the vertebrae. 

Each disc is composed of two main parts: the nucleus pulposus, a watery core that distributes pressure, and the annulus fibrosus, a strong outer ring that keeps the nucleus contained.

Alongside facet joints, ligaments, and muscles, the intervertebral discs work to support movement and stability.

A lumbar herniated disc progresses through several stages, starting with an annular tear that can lead to a disc bulge, herniation, or extrusion. 

Inflammation within the disc can cause persistent pain and dysfunction, limiting mobility and quality of life. We’ll explain the causal chain next.

Our findings show that a herniated disc in the lower back develops from an annular tear, a rip in the tough outer layer of the disc. This allows the inner nucleus pulposus to fragment into the tear, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to chronic pain. 

Trauma is a major cause of lumbar disc herniation. High-impact injuries from car accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents can place excessive stress on the spine, causing sudden disc damage. 

While some minor tears may heal naturally, larger tears in the posterior lead to chronic pain if treated incorrectly.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a herniated lumbar disc. Aging leads to the gradual dehydration and weakening of intervertebral discs, making them more susceptible to tearing. 

Physically demanding activities that involve repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting place excessive strain on the lumbar spine, accelerating degeneration. Excess body weight adds further stress to the discs, contributing to their degeneration. 

A sedentary lifestyle weakens core muscles, which play a crucial role in spinal support, increasing the risk of injury. Genetic predisposition also plays a role.

The primary symptom of a lumbar herniated disc is localized lower back pain. This pain originates from inflammation within the injured disc of the L4-5 and L5-S1 regions.

The pain may worsen with prolonged sitting, bending forward, or lifting heavy objects, as these activities increase pressure on the damaged disc. 

Secondary symptoms may include sciatica, which occurs when inflammatory byproducts irritate the nerve roots near the affected disc. This can result in pain radiating down one or both legs, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Diagnosing a herniated disc in the lower back begins with a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist. The doctor will review the patient’s medical history, assess symptoms, and conduct a physical examination to check for pain, mobility issues, and neurological function. 

Based on our observations, MRI scans are a key tool for assisting an accurate diagnosis. Deuk Spine Institute offers a free MRI review online, which includes a necessary spine exam. As the first institution to provide 99 percent diagnostic accuracy, we determine the exact pain generators causing your lower back pain.

While X-rays can show bone abnormalities, they do not reveal soft tissue damage within the discs, making them less useful for diagnosing herniated discs.

MRI remains the gold standard for identifying lumbar disc herniations. It provides clear, detailed images of the spinal discs, helping us detect annular tears, disc bulges, protrusion, extrusion, and more. 

Conventional treatments for herniated discs include physical therapy, pain medications, and steroid injections, but these methods only provide temporary relief. 

Physical therapy can help strengthen core muscles and improve mobility, but it does not heal the damaged disc. Steroid injections may reduce inflammation in the short term, but they do not address the underlying disc injury.

Invasive surgeries like microdiscectomy and spinal fusion carry risks such as infections, scarring, and long recovery times. Worst of all, some patients develop failed back surgery syndrome, where pain persists or worsens after surgery.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair is the most effective treatment for lumbar disc herniation, thoracic herniated disc, and discogenic neck pain. 

Unlike traditional surgeries that involve cutting or removing parts of the spine, this minimally invasive, outpatient procedure uses a precision laser to remove only the pain-causing tissue while preserving healthy tissue. 

With a 99% success rate in eliminating discogenic pain and zero surgical complications to date, our procedure is the safest solution for patients seeking lasting elevation from pain and an improved quality of life.