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Lumbar Disc Disease

Located between each vertebrae (bone) in the low back is a piece of gelatinous material called the lumbar disc. These discs are the shock absorbers of the low back. They help to support the torso and allow bending movements of the body. When a disc ruptures through its surrounding fibrous band, it is called a disc herniation.

Symptoms

The herniated piece of the disc may then pinch on a nerve, possibly causing one or more of the following symptoms:

• Painful movement of the low back.
• Pain, tingling or numbness radiating down the buttocks, thigh, calf and/or foot.
• Numbness or weakness in the toes.
• Weakness in the leg or foot.
• Limited ability to bend the low back.
• Changes in bowel or bladder function.

Causes

As we age, the discs gradually become dry and flattened. Eventually, the disc space becomes narrow and the vertebrae begin to touch one another. This is known as degenerative disc disease. The narrower the space between the bones, the less room the nerve has to travel. The nerves may become irritated, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot.

Diagnostic tests

If your health-care provider suspects you have lumbar disc herniation or lumbar disc disease, you may need a thorough medical history, physical exam plus one or more of the following:

CT scan
X-ray pictures of the back.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Non-X-ray pictures of the back (notify the radiologist if you are uncomfortable in small, tight spaces).

Myelogram/CT
Water soluble dye is injected into the spinal space, and X-rays are taken of the back.

EMG (Electromyogram)
Study of the nerve function in the arms or hands.

Reducing the risk

• Perform gentle stretching exercises for the back by reaching your arms high above your head and holding that position for several seconds.
• Avoid or stop smoking.
• Wear seat belts at all times while in the car.
• Maintain good posture while walking or sitting.
• Avoid "slouching" in a chair, sofa or bed.
• Avoid bending or lifting heavy objects.
• If you must lift something heavy, bend with the knees and let your legs do the work.
• Place frequently used objects on eye-level shelves.
• Wear low-heel, comfortable shoes.
• Maintain a routine exercise schedule (walking is a good choice).
• Take frequent stretch breaks when driving long distances.
• Lose excess weight and keep your weight within a normal range for your height.
• Make a healthy diet part of your life.