Lumbar Disc Herniation: Anatomy, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment by Mark Dumonski, MD

By Mark L. Dumonski, MD

Introduction

Lumbar disc herniations represent one of the most common conditions encountered in a typical spine clinic. Symptoms can range from a patient being completely asymptomatic, to leg pain (commonly referred to as “radiculopathy” or “sciatica”), to a profound and debilitating loss of bowel and bladder control. The latter condition is called “cauda equina syndrome”, and while much less common than radiculopathy, does have the potential to lead to permanent bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction. Continue reading “Lumbar Disc Herniation: Anatomy, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment by Mark Dumonski, MD”