The spinal cord is composed of small bones called vertebrae that are separated by tiny disks of cartilage. When one of these disks slips out of place, a person may be diagnosed with a herniated disk. People who develop symptoms of a herniated disk within the lower, or lumbar, region of the back should consult a medical professional for further evaluation and care.
Sciatica
The most common symptom associated with a herniated disk in the lower back is sciatica, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sciatica is a term used to describe sharp, shooting sensations of pain that radiate from the lower back into one or both legs. Increased pressure placed on the spinal column during certain activities, such as sneezing or coughing, can exacerbate sciatica symptoms in affected people. Symptoms of pain associated with sciatica are uncomfortable and can significantly limit a person's ability to move about normally.
Tingling or Numbness
A herniated disk can interfere with the normal transmission of signals along the nerves of the spinal cord. When this occurs, people with a herniated disk in the lower back can experience sensations of tingling or numbness within the lower back, which can radiate into one leg, explains MayoClinic.com. These sensations can be constant or may occur sporadically over time or after physical exertion.
Weakness
A person with a herniated disk in the lower back can experience leg weakness as a symptom, notes MedlinePlus. Mild to severe leg weakness can negatively affect a person's ability to stand or walk about normally without assistance. Leg weakness can occur intermittently and typically becomes worse unless the herniated disk is treated.
Loss of Excretory Control
A large herniated disk within the lower back can compress several nerves along the spinal cord. When this occurs, affected people can lose the ability to voluntarily control their excretory functions, such as urinating or producing a bowel movement, according to the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch. Additional symptoms can include decreased sensation within the groin or rectal pain. These serious symptoms of a herniated disk in the lower back require emergency medical attention.
