Which symptoms indicate a herniated disc?
May 28, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hoffmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Maria Zollmann and I have been experiencing severe pain in the lower back for some time now. These pains radiate down to my leg and worsen especially when sitting or after standing for a long time. Additionally, I sometimes feel that my leg is numb or tingling. Lately, I have also had difficulties lifting heavy objects and bending over. I am worried that it might be a herniated disc, as I have heard from friends that similar symptoms could indicate this.
Could you please explain to me what symptoms typically indicate a herniated disc? How can I be sure if it is indeed a herniated disc and what further steps should I take to confirm the diagnosis? Are there any possible treatment options that could help alleviate the pain and restore mobility in my back?
I would greatly appreciate your expert assessment and recommendations, as the pain is now significantly affecting my daily life and I would like to know how best to manage it.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Maria Zollmann
Dear Mrs. Zollmann,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing such severe pain in your lower back that radiates into your leg. The symptoms you have described could indeed indicate a herniated disc, as they are often associated with back pain radiating into the leg, as well as numbness and tingling.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft core of a disc pushes through the outer shell and presses on the surrounding nerves. This can lead to the symptoms you have described. In addition to pain in the lower back and leg, muscle cramps, limited mobility in the back, difficulty lifting heavy objects, and bending may also occur.
To confirm whether it is indeed a herniated disc, I strongly recommend seeing a specialist in orthopedics. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination, evaluate your symptoms, and may order further diagnostic tests such as an MRI or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
If it turns out that you do have a herniated disc, there are various treatment options that may be recommended depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors. These may include conservative measures such as pain medication, physical therapy, injections, or specific exercises to strengthen the back muscles. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the herniated disc.
It is important to make an early diagnosis and start treatment to avoid long-term damage and alleviate your symptoms. Therefore, I strongly recommend making an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to have your symptoms evaluated and develop an individualized treatment strategy.
I wish you all the best and hope that you will soon find a suitable treatment to alleviate your pain and restore your mobility.
Sincerely,
Ingo Hoffmann
