Know more about lumbar disc surgery
Lumbar refers to the lower end of the spine and the intervertebral disc (or disc) is the soft jelly like substance that lies between two adjacent vertebrae. Occasionally the central portion of the disc (nucleus pulposus) tears through the surrounding layers (annulus pulposus) and can compress and irritate the nerves extending from the spinal cord. This condition is referred to as a disc herniation (also referred to as disc prolapse or slipped disc). Compression and irritation of the nerves causes pain in the legs (sciatica), numbness, pins and needles, and muscular weakness in the legs. The presence and severity of these symptoms vary from person to person. Rarely, there may be difficulty in passing urine and stools.
