Lifting and lower back pain: could be a herniated disc
Summer is a time when many people become more active. Whether it’s lifting suitcases into the car, tackling long-postponed DIY projects, rearranging the garden, or carrying heavier loads than usual while travelling, the warmer months often place unexpected demands on the back.
For some, all it takes is one awkward movement. You bend to pick up a suitcase, lift a bag of compost, or twist while carrying something heavy and suddenly feel a sharp pain in your lower back.
While some episodes of acute back pain settle with rest and time, others may be caused by a herniated disc – and when this occurs, pain can be more severe and may be accompanied by sciatica, numbness, or weakness in the leg.
What is a herniated disc?
Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers for the spine, with a tough outer layer and a softer, gel-like centre. Over time, small areas of wear can develop gradually – often without causing any symptoms at all.
Problems tend to arise when the spine is placed under sudden or unusual strain. A heavy lift, especially when combined with bending or twisting, can increase pressure inside the disc. If the outer layer is already weakened, it may tear, allowing the inner material to bulge outward. If that material comes into contact with a nearby nerve, symptoms can extend beyond the back and begin to affect the leg.
Symptoms of a herniated disc
The symptoms depend on whether the disc is simply causing local irritation or is pressing on a nerve.
Common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain and muscle spasm
- Sharp or stabbing pain during movement
- Sciatica – pain travelling into the buttock and down the leg
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg
When nerve compression is involved, the discomfort can feel more intense and may interfere with walking, sitting, or sleeping.
Why rest isn’t always enough
Many cases of acute back pain do improve with time, and reducing aggravating activities, appropriate pain relief, and physiotherapy can all support natural recovery. However, if a nerve remains irritated or compressed, symptoms can persist without fully resolving. Ongoing sciatica, numbness, weakness, or difficulty with daily activities may suggest that the disc problem is still affecting the nerve – and this is when further assessment becomes important.
What are the treatment options?
Initial management typically involves physiotherapy to improve movement and support the spine, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate, and targeted spinal injections to reduce nerve irritation. These approaches aim to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support healing.
For patients who continue to experience significant symptoms despite conservative care, minimally invasive procedures may be considered. One option offered by Dr El-Maghraby is Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD), which uses laser energy delivered through a small needle to reduce pressure within the disc and relieve compression on the affected nerve – avoiding the need for open surgery and minimising tissue disruption.
Recent research has reported encouraging outcomes. A retrospective study found that nearly 40% of patients treated with PLDD achieved excellent or good functional results, compared with 11.4% of those managed with conservative treatment alone, suggesting meaningful benefit in carefully selected patients.
If you’re experiencing ongoing back or leg pain, book a consultation with Dr El-Maghraby today. He will help clarify the cause and ensure that a more significant disc injury is not being overlooked.
