Lumbar Herniated Disc: The intervertebral discs are the cushions that act as shock absorbers between each of the vertebral bones in your spine. There is one disc between each vertebra. Each disc has a strong outer ring of fibers called the annulus, and a soft, jelly-like center called the nucleus pulposus.
The annulus is the disc’s outer layer and the strongest area of the disc. The annulus is attached to two strong ligaments that connects each vertebra together in front and at the back. The mushy nucleus of the disc the nucleus pulposus serves as the main shock absorber.
With aging, as the disc degenerates, the outer layercracks down allowing the inner core to bulge out through the cracks in the outer portion of the disc, and this condition is known as a disc prolapse or a lumbar herniated disc or slipped disc.
The weak spot in the outer core of the intervertebral disc is directly near the spinal nerve root (the nerve that comes out between each vertebra), so a herniation in this area puts direct pressure on the nerve.
The nerve runs through the leg, and any type of pressure in the nerves emerging from the lower spine can cause pain to radiate along the path of the nerve through the buttock and down the leg. This type of pain is also called sciatica or radiculopathy.
Causes of Lumbar Herniated Disc (or) Slipped Disc:
This can occur due to the below causes:
The disc tends to lose its water content and integrity with age. This leads to loss of elasticity.
Mechanical load can lead to tears on the discs that over time it worsens and tends to rupture.
Certain awkward motions can cause the disc to prolapse E.g. while twisting or turning to lift an object.
Lifting a very heavy or large object can place great strain on the back causing the disc to herniate.
Injuries resulting from direct forceful blow to the spine.
Overweight individuals are at an increased risk of slipped discs since their discs have to support additional weight.
Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to disc herniation.
The symptoms of lumbar herniated disc or slipped disc may not include back pain at all! The symptoms of a herniated disc come from pressure on, and irritation of, the nerves. However, many people do have back pain because they have other problems in their back when the disc ruptures.
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