How does a lumbar hernia affect the body?
Symptoms
- Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. ...
- Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
- Weakness. Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. ...
Can a lumbar hernia be life-threatening?
A lumbar hernia is a type of abdominal wall hernia. Although rare in itself, complications of strangulation or incarnation of the hernia can develop. Intestinal blockage is also rare but can develop with lumbar hernias. Complication can be life-threatening, especially when not treated early.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
Symptoms in Women
- Aching or sharp pain
- Burning sensation
- A bulge at the hernia site, but this may not be present with a groin hernia
- Discomfort that increases with activity
What are the symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc?
These are the most common symptoms of lumbar disk disease:
- Intermittent or continuous back pain. ...
- Spasm of the back muscles
- Sciatica – pain that starts near the back or buttock and travels down the leg to the calf or into the foot
- Muscle weakness in the legs
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Decreased reflexes at the knee or ankle
- Changes in bladder or bowel function
What is a lumbar hernia symptoms?
The typical symptoms include: Lower back pain – increased pain with coughing or straining. Weakness or numbness in one leg or foot. Shooting pain down one side of the buttock into the leg. A tender bulge.
How do you fix a lumbar hernia?
There are two possible surgical approaches: the anterior approach with lumbar incision and the laparoscopic (transabdominal or totally extraperitoneal) approach. The repair of lumbar hernia by laparoscopy was first published in 1997 by Heniford et al 8 .
How is a lumbar hernia diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a simple lumbar hernia is mostly clinical which can be confirmed with either a CT scan or MRI which shows a defect in the fascia. Treatment is surgical with the use of a large mesh in the preperitoneal space either through the open or laparoscopic approach.
Where is a lumbar hernia?
These hernias can occur anywhere within the lumbar region but are more common through the superior lumbar triangle (of Grynfeltt-Lesshaft), an inverted triangle bounded by 12th rib, erector spinae and the posterior border of the internal oblique muscle.
Can a lumbar hernia cause back pain?
A very rare condition called a lumbar triangle hernia develops when tissue creates a lesion in the flank, and it can also cause back pain. One very small study noted that low back pain can be a presenting symptom for a lumbar triangle hernia, but it can be a very challenging diagnosis to make.
How long does lumbar hernia surgery take?
In these studies, a total of 14 patients underwent laparoscopic repair of lumbar hernias. Defect sizes ranged from 78cm2 to 150cm2, operative time ranged from 138 minutes to 144 minutes, and hospital stay ranged from 1 day to 3.5 days. No serious complications were reported.
How common is a lumbar hernia?
Background. Superior lumbar hernia is a rare posterolateral abdominal wall defect and herniation of abdominal contents through the superior lumbar triangle. A lumbar hernia is an unusual defect and only 300 cases of primary lumbar hernias have been reported since the first case report in 1731.
Can a hernia cause hip and back pain?
The pain may not just be in the area of the hernia; it can radiate to your hip, back, leg — even to the genitals. As your hernia gets worse, many aspects of your life will get worse right along with it. Even if it isn't painful (yet), the sensation and pressure may cause you to avoid certain activities.
Can a lumbar hernia cause constipation?
Lumbar hernias present with a wide range of clinical manifestations ranging from vague back pain, to less frequently, bowel obstruction. Rarely, in less than 10 percent of cases, lumbar hernias can manifest with bowel incarceration, leading to bowel ischemia.
Can a hernia go away without surgery?
A hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.
Can a hernia feel like back pain?
Can Hernias Cause Back Pain? The short answer is yes, hernias can cause back pain. Before we dive in any deeper, let's briefly talk about what exactly a hernia is. Hernias occur when an organ or piece of tissue pushes out of a muscle wall, resulting in pain and potential blood flow issues.
What kind of hernia causes back pain?
Lumbar hernia: an unusual cause of back pain.
What is Lumbar Hernia?
The abdominal wall protects the abdominal cavity, where the organs such as the stomach, kidneys and small intestine are located. A Flank hernia, also known as a lumbar hernia occurs due to the defects in the postero-lateral abdominal wall that allows the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude.
What causes a lumbar hernia?
In most cases, lumbar hernias are usually a result of blunt trauma to the abdominal wall. But, they can also occur due to the weakness in the abdominal muscles after a surgical incision. The tissues that were cut while making a surgical incision do not heal completely and forms a gap that leaves a patient susceptible to hernia formation.
What are the symptoms of a lumbar or a flank hernia?
Flank hernias are unnoticed in their early stages. However, some of the lumbar hernia symptoms include:
How is lumbar hernia treated?
For most of the patients, the herniated lumbar disc will gradually improve over a period of several days. But, some patients do experience episodes of pain and discomfort that require immediate medical attention – says Dr. Parameshwara, the best gastrointestinal surgeon in Bangalore.
Nonsurgical treatment
Initial treatment for the herniated lumbar disk is usually a nonsurgical treatment that focuses on pain relief. This treatment procedure includes:
Surgical treatment
Only a few patients with lumbar hernia require surgery. This is recommended when the nonsurgical treatment has not relieved the painful symptoms of the herniated lumbar disc or for those who are experiencing muscle weakness and difficulty walking. Surgical treatment for a lumbar or flank hernia includes:
Why do lumbar hernias occur?
Several medical experts state that a Lumbar Hernia develops over time due to a weakness of the abdomen wall and loss of muscle and fatty tissue. More often than not, such issues are inherent to aging, illness, or trauma. While in some cases, they may also occur as complications ...
How to treat lumbar hernia?
The only efficient way to treat a Lumbar Hernia is through surgical procedures because these hernias are prone to incarceration and strangulation. Also, the gradual increase in size could make it more difficult to treat, which means that healthcare providers will have to work as quickly as possible to fix the issue.
What is the name of the triangle that forms the ribs?
The common site for this condition to happen is the Superior Lumbar Triangle, also known as Grynfeltt-Lesshaft Triangle. A triangle formed by the Quadratus Lumborum and the Internal Abdominal Oblique muscles along with the 12th rib, which becomes a weak spot thanks to all the factors mentioned here. When an abdominal hernia develops toward the back ...
What is the peritoneum of a lumbar hernia?
The peritoneum is a thin, yet solid membrane made up of several layers, of which two are the most important. Those two layers are the Omentum, which is in front of the stomach and intestine;
What is the name of the area where a hernia protrudes?
When an abdominal hernia develops toward the back of the abdomen wall, it can protrude through the Superior Lumbar Triangle, and that causes Lumbar Hernia.
Can a lumbar hernia cause abdominal cramps?
But in the case of this condition becoming a more complicated issue due to external or internal factors, then the Lumbar Hernia causes more severe symptoms including abdominal cramping, bowel obstruction, and an irreducible hernia bulge. While some people could list potential symptoms, such signs vary so much that they could confuse most doctors as ...
Is a hernia a rare form of abdominal wall hernia?
Is a rare form of abdominal wall hernia, which is very difficult to diagnose. Those who are familiar with the concept of hernias are aware that such conditions’ main defining feature is the protrusion of an organ or tissues outside their rightful place in the body.
Where do lumbar hernias occur?
Lumbar hernias occur through defects in the lumbar muscles or the posterior fascia, below the 12 th rib and above the iliac crest. Two types are described, according to the anatomical location of the hernial neck: superior lumbar hernia ( Grynfeltt-Lesshaft hernia) . occurs through the superior lumbar triangle.
What are the symptoms of lumbar hernia?
Patients with lumbar hernias can present with a variety of symptoms, including a posterolateral mass, back pain, bowel obstruction (if contents contain bowel), or urinary obstruction (if contents are kidney/ureter).
Who first described lumbar hernia?
The first description of the inferior or superficial lumbar hernia by French surgeon Jean-Louis Petit (1672-1750) in 1738 13,14.
What percentage of hernias are spontaneous?
may be associated with other malformations. primary acquired lumbar hernias (55%) spontaneous, without a causal factor such as surgery, infection, or trauma.
How do you know if you have a lumbar hernia?
However, some of the lumbar hernia symptoms include: Back pain and swelling around the area of the bulge. Abdominal cramping and tenderness. Numbness or a tingling sensation in the leg and foot. Pain that worsens when coughing or straining.
What age do lumbar hernias occur?
Lumbar hernias or flank hernias, typically occur in individuals aged 50 to 70 and are more common in men.
What is the best treatment for lumbar disc herniation?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen helps relieve pain caused by herniated lumbar disc. Epidural steroid injection: An injection of a drug (like cortisone) into the around the nerve provides pain relief by reducing inflammation.
What is the abdominal wall?
The abdominal wall protects the abdominal cavity, where the organs such as the stomach, kidneys and small intestine are located. A Flank hernia, also known as a lumbar hernia occurs due to the defects in the postero-lateral abdominal wall that allows the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude.
How to help lower back pain?
Avoid sitting for long periods make all your physical activity slow and controlled, especially lifting and bending forward. Physical therapy: Specific stretching exercises and massage will help strengthen your lower back and abdominal muscles.
Is lumbar hernia surgical or nonsurgical?
He also says that depends on the severity of the condition the treatment of lumbar hernia can be either nonsurgical or surgical.
Can a lumbar hernia be treated with surgery?
Only a few patients with lumbar hernia require surgery. This is recommended when the nonsurgical treatment has not relieved the painful symptoms of the herniated lumbar disc or for those who are experiencing muscle weakness and difficulty walking. Surgical treatment for a lumbar or flank hernia includes:
What is lumbar hernia?
Family Practitioner. A lumbar hernia an uncommon type of abdominal hernia that develops in the lumbar region of the back. The lumbar region is the area of muscles that cover the lower back, from the bottom of the rib cage to the top of the pelvis. ...
Why do lumbar hernias go unnoticed?
In most cases, lumbar hernias are the result of aging, loss of muscle and fatty tissue, and illness that causes immobility or decrease mobility. A lumbar hernia is less common than other hernias, located at the flank and usually goes unnoticed until weight gain or straining.
Why do lumbar hernias occur on the right side?
Lumbar hernias develop more often on the right-side because the lumbar triangle is larger on this side of the back. Lumbar hernias can be congenital or the result of injury or trauma to the back or abdomen. In most cases, lumbar hernias are the result of aging, loss of muscle and fatty tissue, and illness that causes immobility or decrease mobility.
What is a flank hernia?
A flank hernia, also known as a lumbar hernia, results from defects in the postero-lateral abdominal wall that allows the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude.
Why is flank hernia surgery so difficult?
Surgical repair of flank hernias can be very challenging because of the anatomic location of the hernia. The area to be repaired is often bordered by bone and other weak tissue structures that generally do not support the use of mesh.
Can a lumbar hernia be asymptomatic?
Individuals suffering from a lumbar hernia may be completely asymptomatic. If symptoms are present, they include back or flank pain or a dragging sensation. Left untreated, lumbar hernias can grow to large proportions.
What is a flank hernia?
A flank hernia, also known as a lumbar hernia, results from defects in the postero-lateral abdominal wall that allows the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude.
Why is flank hernia surgery so difficult?
Surgical repair of flank hernias can be very challenging because of the anatomic location of the hernia. The area to be repaired is often bordered by bone and other weak tissue structures that generally do not support the use of mesh.
Can a lumbar hernia be asymptomatic?
Individuals suffering from a lumbar hernia may be completely asymptomatic. If symptoms are present, they include back or flank pain or a dragging sensation. Left untreated, lumbar hernias can grow to large proportions.
How to prevent herniation in the back?
Keep your back straight and aligned, particularly when sitting for long periods. Lift heavy objects properly, making your legs — not your back — do most of the work. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and disks, making them more susceptible to herniation.
What causes a herniated disc?
Factors that can increase your risk of a herniated disk include: 1 Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back. 2 Occupation. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase your risk of a herniated disk. 3 Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk. 4 Smoking. It's thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disk, causing it to break down more quickly.
What is the name of the soft disk that lies between the vertebrae?
Herniated disk. Herniated disk. The rubbery disks that lie between the vertebrae in your spine consist of a soft center (nucleus) surrounded by a tougher exterior (annulus). A herniated disk occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes through a crack in the annulus. Symptoms may occur if the herniation compresses a nerve.
What does it feel like to have a herniated disk in your neck?
If your herniated disk is in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning. Numbness or tingling.
What causes a herniated disk to break down?
Genetics. Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk. Smoking. It's thought that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disk, causing it to break down more quickly.
How do you know if you have a herniated disk?
Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf.
What is the name of the soft, jellylike center of the spinal cord?
A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center (nucleus) encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior (annulus). Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. A herniated disk, which can occur in any part of the spine, can irritate a nearby nerve.