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# Lumbar Disc Herniation

A lumbar disc herniation is when the soft centre of a lower-back disc pushes out and can press on a nerve, causing back and leg pain (sciatica).

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [L4–L5 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/l4-l5/)
- [L5–S1 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/l5-s1/)
- [L4–L5 nucleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/l4-l5-spine-and-pelvis/)
- [L5–S1 nucleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/l5-s1-spine-and-pelvis/)
- [Cauda equina](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cauda-equina/)
- [Spinal cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/spinal-cord/)

## In histology

- [Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cartilage-hyaline-elastic-fibrocartilage/)

## In embryology

- [Primitive streak and notochord (nucleus pulposus, sacrococcygeal teratoma)](https://durgical.com/en/embryology/primitive-streak-and-notochord/)
- [Vertebrae: resegmentation of the sclerotomes](https://durgical.com/en/embryology/vertebrae-resegmentation-of-the-sclerotomes/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Lasègue sign (straight leg raise) and Bragard sign](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/lasegue-sign-and-bragard-sign/)
- [Deep tendon reflexes and their grading](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/deep-tendon-reflexes-and-their-grading/)
- [Sensory examination: modalities and dermatomes](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/sensory-examination-modalities-and-dermatomes/)
- [Abnormal gaits: hemiparetic, parkinsonian, ataxic, steppage, waddling](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/abnormal-gaits-hemiparetic-parkinsonian-ataxic-steppage-waddling/)

## In physiology

- [Spinal cord reflexes](https://durgical.com/en/physiology/spinal-cord-reflexes/)
- [Muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ](https://durgical.com/en/physiology/muscle-spindle-and-golgi-tendon-organ/)

## Why it happens

- [How organs age: normal changes vs disease](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/how-organs-age-normal-changes-vs-disease/)
- [Pain and temperature: pathways and modulation](https://durgical.com/en/physiology/pain-and-temperature-pathways-and-modulation/)

## What it is

Displacement of the nucleus pulposus through the annulus fibrosus, most often at L4–L5 or L5–S1, which can compress a nerve root.

## Causes

- Age-related degeneration of the disc
- Sudden loading or twisting
- Repetitive stress

## Symptoms and signs

- Low back pain
- Radicular pain into the leg (sciatica)
- Numbness or weakness in a dermatomal/myotomal pattern
- In severe cases, bowel/bladder changes ([cauda equina](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cauda-equina/) emergency)

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
History, neurological exam, straight-leg raise

**Imaging**
MRI is the preferred study; X-ray for alignment or other causes

## Treatment

**Conservative**
Most improve with activity modification, physical therapy, and time. Medicines or injections for pain.

**Surgical**
Discectomy for persistent severe radiculopathy or neurological deficit after conservative care.

## Related conditions

- [Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/sciatica/)
- [Meralgia paresthetica](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/)
- [Piriformis syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/piriformis-syndrome/)
- [Mechanical low back pain](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/mechanical-low-back-pain/)
- [Lumbar spinal stenosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis/)
- [Cauda equina syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/cauda-equina-syndrome/)
- [Spondylolisthesis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/spondylolisthesis/)
- [Sacroiliac joint pain](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/sacroiliac-joint-pain/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Lumbar Disc Herniation](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560878/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lumbar-disc-herniation/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lumbar-disc-herniation/