A spinal hernia

What is a spinal (backbone) or lumbar hernia?
A hernia (medical term: Herniated Nucleus Pulposus, or HNP) is a protrusion of the disc between successive vertebrae in the spinal column. The protrusion presses against a nerve root. This nerve then becomes irritated. That irritation leads to pain, mostly in one leg, but in some cases even in both legs. Sometimes the pressure on the nerve can cause the nerve to cease functioning. This can cause a lessening or loss of feeling in the areas of skin served by that nerve. It can also cause failure of muscles and reflexes.

What causes a hernia?
A hernia can have many causes:

• a congenital weakness in the disc tissue (more than 50% of all cases)
• sudden twisting movement of the torso
• overloading of the back during lifting or carrying
• lack of movement and prolonged sitting
• poor muscular condition

 

Fortunately, a hernia is indicated in just 5% of people with acute back pain. There is a high chance of spontaneous recovery from a hernia. Three out of four people with a hernia recover without any need for an operation. And yet some 13,000 hernia operations are performed annually in the Netherlands.