Lumbar spine (lower back): Sciatica/Radiculopathy frequently results from a herniated disc in the lower back. Typically, a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of low back pain or a long history of intermittent episodes of low back pain. If it is pressing on a nerve, there may be pain, numbness or weakness in the area of the body to which the nerve travels.

If the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, the patient may experience a low backache or no pain at all. Symptoms vary greatly, depending on the position of the herniated disc and the size of the herniation. The area in which pain is experienced depends on what part of the spine is affected. Herniated discs are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine), but also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. Due to this displacement, the disc presses on spinal nerves, often producing pain, which may be severe. The spinal canal has limited space, which is inadequate for the spinal nerve and the displaced herniated disc fragment. Discs that become herniated usually are in an early stage of degeneration. Located between each of the vertebra in the spinal column, discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones.Ī herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. These discs are round, like small pillows, with a tough, outer layer (annulus) that surrounds the nucleus. The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in the back are cushioned by discs. Herniated Disc | American Association of Neurological Surgeons

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