All about Lumbar spine injuries
Lumbar spine injuries in 30 seconds. Hm.. I think we need more than a minute. Let me grab a chair!
Did you know? Up to 45% of lower back pain originates from disc injuries in the lumbar spine region.
The lumbar spine consists of the 5 vertebrae located in the lower back, designated as L1 to L5. Position between the thoracic spine and the sacrum, the lumbar region plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the upper body, providing stability and flexibility, and enabling movements like bending and twisting. The lumbar spine also protects the spinal cord's lower end and the cauda equina, a bundle of nerve roots.
The lumbar spine has a complex structure with numerous muscles, ligaments, nerves and intervertebral discs, which is the cushion like structure between each vertebral body. The disc holds the vertebra together, acting as a shock absorber and allows slight movement of the spine.
Top 5 Facts About Lumbar Disc Pain
5 things you need to know about lumbar disc pain.
1. The Annulus Fibrosus or the outer shell of the disc can heal on its own but this may take 1 to 2 years to do so.
2. Bending the lumbar spine worsens the pain while straightening the spine relieves the discomfort.
3. Pain from an injured disc tends to be located in the middle of the spine.
4. If pain radiates through the calves or the foot of the leg, this is a strong indicator of nerve compression.
5. Sitting increases pressure on the lumbar spine. So people suffering from lumbar disc injuries cannot tolerate prolonged sitting durations.
Top 3 Causes of Lumbar Disc Injuries
Here are 3 common causes of lumbar disc injuries.
Heavy lifting and physical strain: Lifting heavy objects improperly or repetitive strenuous activities can put excessive pressure on the lumbar spine, leading to sprains, strains, or herniated disc. This is common in physically demanding jobs and sports.
Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle: Sitting or standing with poor posture for extended periods can weaken the muscles supporting the spine, increasing the pressure on the disc and eventually increasing the risk of injury. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to muscle stiffness and reduced flexibility, making the spine more susceptible to damage.
Age-related degeneration: Spinal discs naturally lose hydration and elasticity as we age, making them more prone to injuries like bulging or herniation. This degeneration can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility, which is commonly seen in older adults.
Lumbar disc injury should never be ignored. Always get appropriate medical attention before it's too late.
Read more: Understanding Kyphoscoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
4 Treatment Options For Lumbar Disc Injuries
Here are 4 treatment options for you to consider when dealing with lumbar disc injuries.
1. Physical therapy: Customised exercise programs designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility and reduce pain. Physical therapists also teach proper body mechanics to prevent future injuries. For patients with acute pain, they can explore electrical stimulation or dry needling of muscles for pain relief. This can be done by a physiotherapist.
2. Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. These medications are often used in combination with other treatments for optimal relief.
3. Minimally invasive treatment: Things like nucleoplasty to shrink part of the disc and pulsed radiofrequency to reduce nerve irritation, can be effective options that can be used as a minimally invasive day procedure.
4. Surgical intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged discs or relieve pressure on nerves. Common procedures include discectomy, laminectomy or spinal fusion, which aims to restore stability and function.
I understand that seeking treatment for your lumbar spine injury can be daunting. It's crucial to get diagnosed by a specialist and get the appropriate timely treatment. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Read more: How To Know If You Have A Spine Injury
4 Stages of Lumbar Disc Injuries
Do you know the difference between the 4 stages of lumbar spine injuries?
Stage 1, disc degeneration: Disc degeneration is the initial stage where the intervertebral disc begin to lose their water content and elasticity. This deterioration can be due to aging, wear and tear or genetic factors. At this stage, the disc is still contained within its normal boundaries and starts to show signs of weakening.
Stage 2, disc prolapse: In the disc prolapse stage, the outer fibers of the disc remain intact but the disc starts to bulge outwards. This bulging does not necessarily involve a tear in the outer layer but it can cause pressure on nearby spinal nerves, leading to discomfort or mild pain.
Stage 3, disc extrusion: Disc extrusion occurs when a tear in the outer layer of the disc allows the inner gel like material to escape. This can cause significant pressure on the spinal nerves leading to severe pain, numbness or weakness often felt down the legs also known as sciatica.
Stage 4, disc sequestration: In the final stage, disc sequestration, fragments of the nucleus pulposes break free from the main body of the disc and migrate into the spinal canal. This can cause intense pain and neurological symptoms as these free fragments can press against a spinal cord or nerve roots.
Recognise the Signs of Lumbar Disc Injuries
Identifying a lumbar spine disc injury can help in seeking timely treatment and managing symptoms effectively. Here are 3 tell-tale signs.
1. Lower back pain: Pain that worsens when reaching for your toes or getting up from prolonged sitting or sleep.
2. Radiating pain: Pain that starts from the lower back or buttock area and radiates down to the foot, commonly known as sciatica. This pain is often described as a pulling sensation or like an "electric current".
3. Cough or sneeze impulse: Experiencing sciatica pain when coughing or sneezing. This indicates nerve root compression by the herniated wrist.
Recognizing these symptoms early can help in managing lumbar spine disc injuries and preventing further complications.
For effective treatment options, check out Back Pain Treatment at Ray of Health.