A herniated disc in the lower back can cause pain, numbness, and incontinence. Risk factors include excess weight, age, and repetitive motions. Treatment may include ice and heat therapy, exercise, and medication. Severe cases may require surgery.
A posterior disc herniation is damage that occurs in the lower lumbar area of the spine, which is the lower back. The spine is made up of vertebrae, or bones, that are padded with discs. One of these discs can become herniated when part of its soft center bulges outward. Often called a slipped or ruptured disc, this condition can cause mild to severe pain, as well as possible numbness and incontinence.
Certain risk factors can contribute to the development of a posterior disc herniation, such as excess weight and advancing age. People who work in occupations that require repetitive motions such as lifting and twisting are also at higher risk for this back injury. Sometimes it can be caused by a fall or sudden injury. Most patients, however, develop this condition gradually as the vertebrae and discs suffer wear and tear.
Not everyone who has a posterior disc herniation will be aware of it unless it shows up on an x-ray. Those who do not experience pain and other symptoms are unlikely to require surgery to correct the problem. If the disc presses on a nearby nerve, however, it can cause pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation that extends from the buttock down the leg. This particular condition is called sciatica and often results from a herniated disc in the lower spine.
Severe cases of a herniated disc can cause further complications. Cauda equina syndrome is rare, but it can lead to urinary and fecal incontinence. Another complication, called saddle anesthesia, causes numbness in the inner thigh and surrounding body parts. Patients who have any of these severe symptoms or those with persistent pain should see their doctors right away.
After diagnosing a person with a herniated posterior disc, the doctor will likely recommend the use of ice and heat therapy. Ice can be applied to the lower back for 10 to 15 minutes every few hours, followed by a heating pad for the same amount of time. Patients with severe pain should rest for a few days, although too much rest can aggravate the pain by weakening the muscles. A physical therapist can demonstrate some exercises to strengthen the lower lumbar region.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen may be recommended for mild to moderate pain relief. Those experiencing severe pain may be prescribed stronger painkillers and possibly a cortisone shot. If the herniated disc is compressing a nerve, the patient may take muscle relaxants or pain medication. Rarely, patients who continue to have problems with a herniated posterior disc may need surgery in which an artificial disc can be implanted, or the surgeon can fuse the affected vertebrae together.
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