A herniated disk is where a disk in the spine becomes damaged and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerves. This can cause nerve irritation that leads to pain, numbness, or weakness.
When the herniated disk affects the lower back, a person may experience these sensations in their lower back and legs.
A herniated disk is a common cause of lower back and leg pain. Mild cases are not usually a medical emergency. However, a person should see a doctor to find out the cause and to receive any necessary treatments.
A person should go to the emergency room if they lose bladder or bowel control, or experience other severe symptoms of a herniated disk.
TreatmentA person who has a herniated disk may find relief with the following home treatments:
restingoiding the activity that causes painapplying heat pads or cold packs to the affected areataking OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Research states that about 90% of people will get relief from a herniated disk within 6 weeks. If a person experiences persistent symptoms, their doctor may offer other treatments, such as:
physical therapyepidural steroid injectionssurgery, in rare cases