Early symptoms of lumbar disc herniation
Disease description:
I often experience lower back pain and am worried it might be a herniated disc. What are the early symptoms of this condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc herniation primarily occurs due to rupture of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude posteriorly or laterally and compress the nerve roots or spinal cord, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms.
Early symptoms of lumbar disc herniation:
1. Low back pain: This is one of the most common early symptoms. Patients may experience dull or sharp pain in the lower back, especially after prolonged standing, walking, or bending forward. This pain may be localized to the lower back or may radiate down to the buttocks or the back of the thigh.
2. Radiating leg pain: When a lumbar disc herniation compresses the nerve roots, patients may experience radicular pain in the lower limbs, with pain radiating from the lower back down the leg. This type of pain may worsen with changes in body position, coughing, or sneezing.
3. Muscle weakness: Some patients may notice weakness in the muscles of the lower limbs, manifesting as unsteady gait, difficulty lifting the legs, or exertion when climbing stairs.
If you experience the above symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical examination at a hospital immediately.
