Lumbar disc herniation happens when one of the cushions (called a disc) between the bones in your lower back (the lumbar spine) slips out of its normal place. These discs act like shock absorbers for your spine, but sometimes they can get damaged. When a disc herniates, it can bulge or break open, and part of it can press on the nearby nerves.

This can cause symptoms like:

• Back pain, especially in the lower back
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs, sometimes going down to the feet
• Weakness in the legs
• Pain that gets worse with activities like bending, lifting, or sitting for a long time
• Lack of bladder or bowel control in severe cases

A herniated disc can happen because of aging (the discs naturally wear down over time) or from an injury, lifting something too heavy, or other causes. Treatment often includes rest, physical therapy, medications for pain, and sometimes injections. In severe cases, surgery might be needed to relieve pressure on the nerve.