When a disc presses on a nearby nerve, the resulting symptoms can seriously limit daily life, so targeted care is important.
What is a herniated disc?
The spine is made up of vertebrae and intervertebral discs, held together by ligaments, muscles and tendons. Through an often unknown cause, one of these discs can bulge outwards. This is what we call a herniated disc, and it usually occurs in the lower back. The bulge can press on a nerve pathway and irritate it.
A herniated disc can cause pain in a leg that travels down into the lower leg, sometimes as far as the foot. The pain in the leg is sharp. Certain postures or movements, as well as coughing, sneezing or straining, can trigger or intensify the radiating pain. Most people with a herniated disc also have lower back pain, and sometimes there is loss of strength in the leg or a feeling of pins and needles in the leg.
The symptoms often resemble those of sciatica or ordinary lower back pain. Do you suspect you have a herniated disc? Book an appointment for a back assessment straight away. See what to expect at your first visit or explore all of our treatments.
