LUMBAR HERNIATED DISC

Lower back pain is extremely common, and a lumbar herniated disc is one of the biggest causes.

A herniated disc is a condition that happens to a spinal disc. Our backs are built with spinal discs between the vertebrae. The lumbar (lower back) has five vertebrae, and four discs. Lumbar discs serve as shock absorbers and help the spine to move more freely. Each disc is lined with an endplate to help hold it in place, an outer band called an annulus fibrosus, and an soft, gelatinous inner substance called nucleus pulposus.

When a disc herniates, the annulus fibrosus tears and some or all of the nucleus pulposus leaks out. This, of course, means a reduction in padding which, as you can imagine, can be very painful. Without the nucleus pulposus, there can be pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, which can cause pain to radiate elsewhere.

Many young and middle-aged adults will experience a herniated disc, because it’s main cause is aging. It’s a degenerative disease that naturally develops as the nucleus pulposus dehydrates and weakens with age. Trauma is also a common cause, second to aging. At MOTUS, some of our athletic clients have gotten a lumbar herniated disc after a high-impact incident from their sport. Repetitive motions and overuse in the lower back can also contribute to the deterioration of the lumbar discs, which explains why golfers are more susceptible.