Lumbar herniated disc

A lumbar herniated disc occurs when disc material extends beyond its usual border and irritates a nearby nerve root. Back pain with leg symptoms is the classic presentation.

What it feels like

Low back pain may pair with sharp or traveling pain into the buttock, thigh, or calf, sometimes with numbness or tingling.

Sitting, bending, or coughing can intensify symptoms. Some people notice weakness with push-off or heel walking.

A subset has more back-dominant pain with intermittent leg aching rather than constant sciatica.

What is going on

Disc herniation is a mechanical and inflammatory event. Contact with the nerve root plus local inflammation drives many flares.

MRI finds herniations in people without symptoms too, so we match level and side to your exam.

Large herniations with major deficit are handled differently from small, stable irritations.

How we evaluate

Neurologic exam and symptom mapping come first. Imaging follows when it informs urgency or intervention.

We screen for cauda equina red flags and progressive motor loss at every meaningful checkpoint.

Hip pathology and facet or SI patterns are considered when the story is mixed.

What we may offer

Many herniations improve without surgery when pain is managed and strength is monitored.

Epidural steroid injections can help selected radicular flares by reducing root inflammation.

Surgery is discussed for progressive neurologic deficit, cauda equina signs, or disabling pain after a thoughtful nonoperative course.

Do all herniated discs need an MRI right away?

Not always. If neurologic function is stable and symptoms are early, we may begin care and image when the result would change the plan.

Will the disc go back into place?

Disc material can remodel and inflammation can settle. We care more about your function and nerve status than about forcing an image to look perfect.

Is an epidural a cure?

No. It is a tool to reduce inflammation and improve a window for recovery and rehab when the diagnosis fits.

How is this different from stenosis?

A herniation is focal disc material. Stenosis is broader narrowing that often worsens with standing and walking.