Condition
Lumbar Herniated Disc
A lumbar herniated disc happens when disc material pushes beyond its usual boundary and inflames or compresses a nearby nerve root. Atlas can explain why symptoms often travel down the leg and how Dr. Iyer weighs physical therapy, medications, injections, and microdiscectomy when needed.
What it is
The lumbar discs act as cushions between the bones of the lower back, and a herniation develops when the outer fibers weaken and the inner material pushes outward. Some herniations mainly cause back pain, while others irritate a nerve and create more leg-dominant symptoms.
Common symptoms
Patients often describe low back pain with sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows a predictable path into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, or bending can sometimes increase nerve pain because they raise pressure around the irritated disc and nerve.
How it is treated
Most patients start with activity modification, anti-inflammatory or other pain medicines, and a structured physical therapy program focused on mobility and nerve irritation. Epidural steroid injections may also help selected patients by reducing inflammation around the compressed nerve root.
When surgery is considered
Surgery becomes more relevant when leg pain remains severe despite reasonable nonsurgical care or when there is progressive weakness, major functional loss, or concerning neurologic change. Microdiscectomy is designed to remove the part of the disc pressing on the nerve while preserving as much normal anatomy as possible.
Use Atlas for the Next Step
Ask follow-up questions in plain language about symptoms, treatment pathways, and how this topic connects to your visit with Dr. Iyer.