What impact can a herniated disc have on the nerves?
February 24, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Jonas Schmitt
Dear neurologist,
My name is Xenia Pilz and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing severe pain in my back for some time now. My primary care physician has diagnosed me with a herniated disc and advised me to see a specialist.
I am very concerned about the potential effects that a herniated disc could have on my nerves. I have already noticed that the pain radiates down to my legs and I am experiencing numbness and tingling. I also have difficulty walking and feel a certain weakness in my legs.
I am wondering if these symptoms are caused by nerve damage from the herniated disc and what long-term consequences this could have on my health. Are there possible treatment options to strengthen the nerves and alleviate the pain? Should I consider surgery or are there alternative therapy options that could be suitable for my case?
I hope you can help me and provide me with information on the potential effects of a herniated disc on the nerves. Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Xenia Pilz
Dear Mrs. Pilz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a neurologist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe back pain and that your family doctor has diagnosed a herniated disc. A herniated disc can indeed lead to various symptoms, radiating down to the legs and accompanied by numbness, tingling, walking difficulties, and leg weakness.
The symptoms you describe could be attributed to nerve damage caused by the herniated disc. When a disc presses on a nerve, it can result in irritation or compression of the nerve, which could explain the discomfort you are experiencing.
Long-term, a herniated disc can lead to chronic pain, muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, and even impairment of bladder and bowel control if the nerves are significantly damaged and not appropriately treated.
Regarding treatment, there are various options that can be considered depending on the severity of the herniated disc and the individual needs of the patient. Treatment options may include conservative measures such as physiotherapy, pain medication, injections, or chiropractic treatments to alleviate pain and relieve pressure on the nerves.
In some cases, however, surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the nerves and improve symptoms. This is typically recommended only in severe cases when other conservative measures are not effective enough.
It is important that you seek evaluation from a specialized neurologist or orthopedist to receive an accurate diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
I hope this information is helpful and encourages you to seek professional help to appropriately address your discomfort. Please do not hesitate to ask any further questions or schedule an appointment for an online consultation to discuss your situation in more detail.
Best regards,
Jonas Schmitt
