The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Low Back Pain and Lumbar Disc Herniation

Disc protruding between vertebrae pressing on the nerve root.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Low Back Pain and Lumbar Disc Herniation?

Lumbar disc herniation is a condition in which the outer ring (annulus fibrosus) of the disc acting as a cushion between the vertebrae tears and the inner gel part (nucleus pulposus) escapes outward, pressing on nearby nerve roots. The L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels are most commonly affected.

Low back pain can result from many factors such as mechanical causes, muscle spasm, disc degeneration, or herniation. Acute low back pain usually lasts less than 6 weeks, while chronic low back pain lasts longer than 3 months.

In Türkiye, approximately 80% of the adult population experiences low back pain at some point in their life; it is one of the most important causes of work-force loss.

Symptoms

Severe, knife-like pain in the lumbar region
Electric shock or burning sensation radiating to the leg (sciatic pain)
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Pain worsening with forward bending and prolonged sitting
Pain intensifying with coughing or straining
Bladder or bowel control impairment in advanced cases

Risk Factors

Heavy lifting and incorrect lifting technique
Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting
Overweight and obesity
Smoking (impairs disc nutrition)
Advanced age and disc degeneration
Occupational risks such as vibrating vehicle use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If you have lost bladder or bowel control (emergency)
  • If there is progressive leg weakness or numbness
  • If pain lasts longer than 4-6 weeks
  • If painkillers are not responding
  • If there is pain that increases at night during rest or unexplained weight loss

Treatment Methods

01
Short-term bed rest and activity modification
02
Painkillers and muscle relaxant therapy
03
Physical therapy, exercise, and posture education
04
Epidural steroid injection
05
Microdiscectomy or endoscopic disc surgery
06
Long-term core stabilization exercises

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Cervical disc herniation is a condition in which the disc between the vertebrae in the neck region presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing neck, shoulder, and arm pain.

Knee Pain and Meniscus Tear

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Meniscus tear is a tearing of the cartilage structures in the knee joint as a result of a sudden twisting movement or degeneration and is one of the most common causes of knee pain.

Shoulder Pain and Frozen Shoulder

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, causing restriction of movement in all directions and severe pain.

Bone Fractures

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

A fracture is partial or complete disruption of the integrity of bone tissue due to an external force or bone disease, and it can occur at any age.

Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture)

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Distal radius fracture is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits; it occurs when the radius bone fractures at the wrist end due to the hand being planted on the ground during a fall.

Hip Fracture

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Hip fracture is a serious fracture mostly occurring in elderly individuals with osteoporosis due to a fall in the femoral neck or trochanteric region, and early surgical treatment is life-saving.

Ankle Sprain

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of the ankle ligaments, most commonly involving the lateral ligament complex (ATFL, CFL, PTFL) after an inversion injury.

Cruciate Ligament Tear (ACL / PCL)

Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is the disruption of knee internal stability during sudden stop-turn movements in sports and is the most common knee injury requiring surgery in young people.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.