Where do disc herniations occur in the lumbar (low back) spine?
About 90% of lumbar disc herniations occur at the two lowest discs which are positioned between the L4/L5 and L5/S1 vertebrae1 and 93% of these herniations protrude into the spinal canal. Unlike early theories regarding disc herniation, rarely does the injured disc itself cause direct compression to the exiting nerve root. Instead, it is now considered that an uncontained disc herniation is seen as foreign by our bodies and an immune response is mounted similar to an inflammatory response produced after exposure to a flu virus etc. It is these inflammatory agents which are toxic to the nerve root resulting in direct irritation, localised muscle guarding and “sciatica”. Symptoms of a lumbar disc herniation/bulge There can be a large variation in the severity of pain with lumbar disc injuries and resultant nerve irritation ranging from severe back, buttock and leg pain, pins and needles, muscle weakness in the legs and changes in urinary habits/bowel movements to no obvious symptoms at a
