Lumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica
Protrusion of nucleus pulposus through torn annulus fibrosus impinging spinal nerve roots
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Sharp lower back pain radiating down the buttock, posterior thigh, and foot (sciatica), dermatomal paresthesias, positive straight-leg raise.
Action
Age-related annular dehydration and micro-tears allow jelly-like nucleus pulposus to herniate posterolaterally, triggering mechanical root compression and neurogenic inflammation.
Clinical notes
Confirmed by lumbar MRI. 90% resolve with conservative physical therapy; emergency surgical microdiscectomy is mandated for cauda equina syndrome.