Lumbar Disc Herniation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lumbar Disc Herniation?
An orthopedic doctor, a bone and joint doctor, often treats a lumbar disc herniation. A spine surgeon, or a physiatrist (a rehabilitation doctor), may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a lumbar disc herniation?
A herniated disk is also called a slipped or ruptured disk. It happens when one of the soft cushions between the bones in your spine becomes weak and moves out of place. It most often happens in the lower back, called the lumbar spine.
The soft, jelly-like center of the disk pushes through the tough outer ring. This can irritate nearby nerves.
Symptoms
Lower back pain is usually the first symptom. Other symptoms may include:
- Sciatica, a sharp, often shooting pain that travels from the buttock down the back of one leg.
- Numbness or a tingling feeling in the leg or foot.
- Weakness in the leg or foot.
Causes and who gets it
A herniated disk is most often the result of natural, age-related wear and tear of the spine. As people age, the water content in the disks drops and the disks become less flexible. A traumatic event, such as a fall, can also cause one.
Men between the ages of 20 and 50 are the most likely to have a herniated disk. Other risk factors include:
- Lifting the wrong way, or twisting while you lift.
- Being overweight.
- Frequent driving.
- A sedentary lifestyle, meaning not being active.
- Smoking.
How doctors diagnose it
After asking about your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will do a physical exam. A neurological exam checks muscle strength, feeling, and reflexes.
In the straight leg raise test, you lie on your back and the doctor lifts your leg with the knee straight. Leg pain that travels below the knee is a strong sign of a herniated disk.
An MRI scan, a detailed picture of soft tissues such as disks, may confirm the diagnosis. A CT scan may be used if you cannot have an MRI.
Treatment
For most people, a herniated disk slowly improves over several days to weeks. Starting treatment is usually nonsurgical.
- Rest for one to 2 days may help, but do not stay off your feet longer.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.
- Physical therapy uses exercises to strengthen your lower back and belly muscles.
- An epidural steroid injection, a cortisone-like medicine placed near the nerve, may give short-term pain relief. Injections within 3 months of surgery may slightly raise the risk of infection.
These treatments do not heal the disk, but they can relieve symptoms while your body heals.
Only a small percentage of people need surgery. Surgery is usually considered after nonsurgical care has not helped. It is also considered for muscle weakness or trouble walking. The most common operation for one herniated disk is a microdiskectomy. The surgeon removes the herniated part of the disk and any fragments that press on the nerve. Surgery risks include nerve injury and infection.
After either treatment, there is up to a 20 to 25% chance that the disk will herniate again in your lifetime. Follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions about activity after surgery.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have leg pain, numbness, or weakness, which can be symptoms of a herniated disk.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you lose control of your bladder or bowel, cannot pass urine, or have numbness between your legs, over your buttocks, or around your genitals or anus. Also call if leg weakness or numbness is severe or getting worse. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a rare medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine your back, start nonsurgical care, and refer you to a spine specialist if needed.
Common questions
Do herniated disks go away on their own?
Often, yes. In many cases, the herniation naturally dissolves over time and is absorbed by the body. Most people are free of symptoms by 3 to 4 months, although some have episodes of pain during recovery.
Does a herniated disk always need surgery?
No, only a small percentage of people need surgery.
Can a herniated disk cause leg pain?
Yes, it can. Disk herniation is a common cause of lower back pain and leg pain. Pressure on the nerve may cause sciatica, which is pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs.
Can a herniated disk happen again?
Yes, it can. With both surgical and nonsurgical treatment, there is up to a 20 to 25% chance that the disk will herniate again in your lifetime.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Herniated Disk
- OrthoInfo (AAOS) - Herniated Disk in the Lower Back
- OrthoInfo (AAOS) - Cauda Equina Syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
