Lumbar Disc Herniation/Sciatica Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among athletes and active individuals. A lumbar disc herniation, often called a slipped, ruptured, or herniated disc, is a frequent cause of this pain. The discs in your lower back sit between the vertebrae and act like cushions, allowing your spine to bend, twist, and absorb impact.

 

Each disc has a tough outer layer and a soft, jelly-like center. When the outer layer weakens or tears, the inner material can bulge out. This bulge may press on the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing symptoms such as sharp lower back pain or pain that radiates down the legs. When leg pain occurs, it is often referred to as sciatica.

In many people, a lumbar herniated disc  develops gradually due to aging or repeated stress, while in others, it may occur suddenly from a lifting injury or awkward twist.

What causes Lumbar Disc Herniation/Sciatica?

Lumbar Disc Herniation can develop gradually or suddenly. Although it can happen at any age, adults over 30 years of age are more at risk because the discs naturally weaken over time. Simple daily movements or heavy lifting can sometimes trigger a tear in an already stressed disc.

1. How the Injury Occurs

• Disc degeneration over time: As people age, discs lose water content and become less flexible, making them more likely to rupture. 
• Improper lifting techniques: Bending or twisting the spine while lifting something heavy can create too much pressure on the lumbar discs. 
• Sudden heavy strain: A sharp, forceful movement, like lifting a heavy object or twisting quickly, may cause a tear. 
• Trauma or impact: Although less common, a fall, sports collision, or blow to the back can damage the disc. 

2. Common Everyday Causes

• Frequent bending or twisting during household chores 
• Sitting for long hours with poor posture 
• Repetitive lifting at work 
• Driving for long periods increases pressure on the lumbar spine 
• Weak core muscles that fail to support the lower back

Sports That Commonly Lead to Lumbar Herniated Discs

These activities place repeated stress on the lower back, increasing the likelihood of disc injuries:

• Racket sports: Tennis, racquetball, and squash involve quick twisting motions. 
• Hockey: Strong rotational movements and impact increase risk. 
• Football & Rugby: Heavy contact and sudden directional changes strain the spine. 
• Basketball: Jumping and landing compress the lower back. 
• Baseball: Repeated twisting, especially while batting. 
• Weightlifting: Heavy loads, especially deadlifts or squats, can overload the spine. 
• Golf: Strong rotational swings stress the lumbar area. 

Swimming: Certain strokes may aggravate existing disc issues if the core is weak.

Symptoms

Herniated disc symptoms vary depending on where the disc is damaged and how much it presses on nearby nerves. Common signs include:

• Lower back pain that may worsen with movement 
• Sharp, shooting leg pain caused by nerve compression (sciatica) 
• Pain that increases with coughing, sneezing, or bending 
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot 
• Muscle weakness 
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods 

Sometimes a lumbar disc herniation causes leg pain without back pain, making it harder to diagnose.

Non-operative treatment

Most cases of herniated discs improve with non-surgical care. Treatments may include:

Rest

Avoid activities or sports that worsen pain, especially movements involving bending or heavy lifting.

NSAIDs

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen may help reduce pain and swelling.

Muscle Relaxers

These may be prescribed if muscle spasms are contributing to pain.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist or athletic trainer  will guide you through stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility, stabilize your spine, and reduce nerve pressure.

Steroid Injections

If symptoms remain severe, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection, guided by X-ray, to reduce inflammation and relieve nerve compression.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms or when nerve compression causes significant weakness. Common surgical options include:

• Microdiscectomy: Removal of the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve. 
• Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves. 
• Disc replacement (rare): Replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one. 

Surgery often provides quick relief from leg pain, especially in cases of severe sciatica.