Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms in Vacaville

The symptoms associated with a lumbar herniated disc in Vacaville vary widely wherein it can range from moderate pain in the back and buttock to a widespread numbness and weakness that requires immediate medical care.

However, most cases have reported that the pain goes away on its own within 6 weeks. Even though the duration is short, the pain can still be excruciating and would make it difficult to do daily activities and responsibilities. Some people have even reported that the pain has become chronic and/or debilitating.

Common lumbar herniated disc symptoms in Vacaville

A herniated disc can easily compress or inflame a nearby nerve, thus causing pain to radiate along the length of the nerve. Sciatica can be easily caused by a lumbar herniated disc since the sciatic nerve is located at the back of the leg.

Here are some common characteristics of a lumbar herniated disc pain:

• Leg pain - This is typically worse than low back pain. Once the pain radiates along the path of the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg, then it is considered as sciatica or a radiculopathy.
• Nerve pain - The most noticeable symptoms are described as nerve pain in the leg, with the pain resembling as electric, piercing, radiating or sharp.
• Foot drop - Herniation can cause neurological symptoms that may include difficulty lifting the foot when standing or walking on the ball of the foot, which is a condition known as foot drop.
• Neurological symptoms - Numbness, weakness, tingling, and/or a pins-and-needles feeling may be experienced in the leg, foot, and/or toes.
• Variable location of symptoms - Depending on where the disc herniates and the degree of herniation, symptoms may be experienced in the buttock, low back, front or back of the thigh, calf, foot and/or toes, and usually affects one side of the body.
• Quick onset - Lumbar herniated disc pain can develop quickly, although there is no known source or event that triggered the pain.
• Lower back pain - The pain can be described as dull or throbbing, and can sometimes come with stiffness. If the herniated disc causes lower back muscle spasm, the pain can go away after applying ice or heat, a day or two of rest, or lying flat on the back with a pillow under the knees.
• Pain that worsens with movement - After prolonging standing or sitting, pain can set in right away. Even just a simple laugh, sneeze, or other sudden action can intensity the pain.
• Pain that worsens from hunching forward - Certain positions like hunching or slouching forward in a chair can make the pain even worse.

Lumbar herniated disc symptoms are usually worse if the herniation is extensive. The pain can be mild and limited to the low back if the disc herniation isn't affecting any nearby nerves. There are cases where low back or leg pain can happen for a few days then goes away is a clear sign that you may have a herniated disc.

If you want to be sure, better get yourself checked by Dr. Alex Tam of Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine. You can reach his clinic in Vacaville, CA by dialing (707) 474-5688 right away. Schedule an appointment now and be treated in the earliest possible time.