Learn about the symptoms, causes, self-check and treatment of a herniated disc.
The lower back is made up of the lumbar vertebrae, the discs that
cushion the space between them, and surrounding connective
tissue such as tendons, ligaments and muscles. A herniated lumbar
disc is a spinal condition in which a disc bulges out and presses
on a nearby nerve, causing pain.
01
Pain in the lower back and buttocks
02
Pain gets worse when bending forward
03
Numbness and a pulling feeling in the legs
04
Legs feel weak and heavy
05
Back pain gets worse when coughing or sneezing
06
Back pain is mild while walking but noticeable when sitting
Key Symptoms
VS
Weakened muscles due to poor lifestyle habits
Impact from sudden exercise
Body imbalance caused by a tilted pelvis
Misalignment of the spine
Repeated injury to muscles and ligaments from lower back sprains
Traffic accidents or other injuries
Degenerative changes due to aging
My lower back is stiff when I get up in the morning.
I have pain even while sleeping.
My lower back, buttocks and legs feel tight and heavy.
My lower back and pelvis always feel stiff.
The muscles in my two legs are different in size.
Bending forward hurts or makes my symptoms worse.
My legs feel weak.
My symptoms get worse when I lie flat on my back.
The condition is first suspected from the physical examination and plain X-rays. Because discs cannot be seen on plain X-rays, an MRI is performed to confirm the diagnosis. If needed, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may also be performed to check for neurological abnormalities and identify exactly which nerve level is affected.
TREATMENT
Treatment of a herniated disc can be divided into three main approaches: conservative treatment, non-surgical procedures and surgery. Except for patients who have difficulty moving or show signs of paralysis, conservative treatment such as medication and physical therapy is tried first, and if this does not help, non-surgical treatment suited to the patient’s condition, such as injection therapy and manual therapy, is provided. However, if the pain persists despite adequate treatment, or neurological symptoms such as paralysis appear, surgery to remove the herniated disc material and relieve pressure on the nerve may be performed.
Except for patients who have difficulty moving or show signs of paralysis, most patients can improve with non-surgical treatment.
If conservative treatment does not help or the pain persists, surgery that addresses the underlying cause is needed.
Step 1
In most cases, 2–3 weeks of non-surgical treatment such as medication and physical therapy brings improvement. If not, treatment moves on to injection therapy and manual therapy.
Step 2
Surgery is the last resort. Before considering surgery, we provide customized procedures based on each patient's condition and circumstances.
Step 3
Surgery may be considered for patients whose pain persists despite adequate treatment or who arrive in an emergency condition; the surgical approach and expected outcome are decided in consultation with a specialist.
In most cases, 2–3 weeks of non-surgical treatment such as medication, physical therapy and pain injections brings improvement.
If not, treatment moves on to injection therapy and manual therapy.
[Medication]
Anti-inflammatory painkillers and muscle relaxants relieve pain and make it easier to continue physical therapy.
[Physical Therapy]
Uses heat, air, light, electricity, ultrasound and other methods to restore function around the painful area and support rehabilitation.
[Manual Therapy]
A form of physical therapy performed by hand by a specially trained manual therapist, based on knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Surgery is the last resort. Before considering surgery,
we provide customized procedures based on each patient's condition and circumstances.
[Nerve Block]
Medication is delivered directly to the problem disc, nerve, muscle or joint to reduce swelling, inflammation and adhesions and improve blood flow, treating the cause of the pain.
Learn More
[Neuroplasty]
A very thin catheter is inserted near the tailbone, and medication is injected around the nerve causing the pain to relieve it.
Learn MoreSurgery may be considered for patients whose pain persists despite adequate treatment or who arrive in an emergency condition;
the surgical approach and expected outcome are decided in consultation with a specialist.
[Microscopic Discectomy]
Surgery that removes the protruding disc through a skin incision of about 2 cm to relieve pressure on the nerve.
