Understanding Sciatica - Lower Back Herniated Disc

Sciatica (sy-AT-ih-kuh) is the most often type of herniated disc conditions that one will experience. It occurs in the lower back and can be quite painful, causing numbness in the legs as well as the pelvic area.

Herniated disc, also known as bulging disc, generally occurs when the substance, nucleus pulposus, found inside the spinal disc starts to break out. The spinal pain will happen when this substance hits or even touches a nerve in the spine.

Bulging disc, some may erroneously call it a slipped disc, happens in the lower back because this is where most of the weight of body is held. Thus, when you start to jump around on hard surfaces, the part of the spine that gets the most impact is your lower back.

With Sciatica, the spinal pain will go beyond the back and travel down to the knees. This is because the sciatica nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body starts from your lower back and extends all the way to your buttocks, in turn affecting your lower limbs.

The problem with diagnosing Sciatica as a direct result of a herniated disc is that a slipped disc is not the only cause of Sciatica. You could have a tumor, internal bleeding, an injury, or infection. The only way to determine of a herniated disc is the cause is by having tests done like the x-ray, MRI or CAT scan.

Herniated disc treatment for Sciatica is not necessarily bed rest. There is no basis for requiring a person to stay immobile because of Sciatica. The better option for a herniated disc treatment would be pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy.

If absolutely necessary, surgery can be considered as an option to relieve the pain and stress on the lower back, but this is not the usual case. The body has a way of healing itself over time, and with herniated disc, this is the safer choice.

However, if the spinal pain is combined with weakness, loss of bowel and bladder control, you need to see a doctor immediately. There is a very rare and serious condition that could be the cause of all your pain known as cauda equina syndrome. Of course, there is no reason to suspect this just yet especially since only 1 up to 15% of all patients with a herniated disc problem get this. Most patients who get this condition have a chronic lower back problem. Having yourself tested will be the only way to diagnose your condition properly. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.