What are the symptoms of lumbar disc herniation?
Disease description:
A colleague can only stand and cannot sit due to a lumbar disc herniation; what are the associated symptoms?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Lumbar disc herniation primarily occurs in the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. When a disc ruptures or becomes displaced due to degeneration, injury, or excessive pressure, the inner nucleus pulposus may protrude and compress nearby nerve roots.
Main symptoms of lumbar disc herniation include:
1. Low back pain: This is the most common symptom of lumbar disc herniation, characterized by persistent dull or sharp pain in the lower back. Symptoms may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or bending, and improve with lying down and rest.
2. Sciatica: When the herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve, it can cause radiating pain from the buttock down the posterior thigh, lateral calf, and into the foot, known as sciatica. This pain may intensify with actions such as coughing, sneezing, or straining during bowel movements.
3. Numbness and sensory abnormalities in the lower limbs: Areas innervated by the affected nerves may experience numbness, decreased sensation, or hypersensitivity, which can interfere with daily activities.
4. Muscle weakness: Prolonged nerve compression can lead to weakness in the muscles of the lower limbs, particularly a reduced ability to dorsiflex the toes, affecting gait and postural stability.
5. Altered reflexes: Deep tendon reflexes may be diminished or absent.
