Bending over to load the dishwasher can become harder. Playing with your grandkids could become too painful. These are just some of the effects that a herniated lumbar disc can cause. 

A herniated lumbar disc occurs when a spinal disc in your lower back is damaged. This issue is especially common in Americans between 30 and 50, and it’s estimated that 20 in every 1,000 U.S. adults develop a herniated lumbar disc annually. Physical therapists can help you learn if the signs you’re experiencing are those of a herniated lumbar disc. These specialists also offer many treatment options for this issue. 

These are three common signs of a herniated lumbar disc

It’s not always easy for the average person to tell what issue their symptoms are related to. Physical therapists can help you cut out the guesswork. They’re trained to treat issues with the human musculoskeletal system, and that means they can pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. 

Some of the signs and symptoms that come along with a herniated lumbar disc include: 

1. Pain — Herniated lumbar discs often irritate nerves in your lower back, so your pain may have a shooting or burning quality. Also, it may start in the lower back and radiate into your buttocks or legs. Your pain can also be triggered by sitting down for too long. Even coughing or sneezing can lead to a jolt of pain. 

2. Odd sensations — This condition also typically leads to several odd sensations. For instance, you might have feelings of numbness or tingling in your lower back. These feelings might also spread into other parts of your lower body. Such odd sensations occur because a herniated lumbar disc is affecting a nerve or nerves. 

3. Muscle weakness — Another result of the nerve issues herniated lumbar discs can cause is muscle weakness. Often, the weakness will be felt in the leg muscles. This can make normal daily activities like walking much harder to do. 

Franklin Rehab offers treatment for the signs of a herniated lumbar disc

Do you have all these signs of a herniated lumbar disc? Our physical therapists at Franklin Rehabilitation are prepared to help you find treatment for your condition. We offer free screenings that can confirm your symptoms are being caused by a herniated disc. Additionally, our therapists excel at building personalized therapy plans that include techniques like: 

• Spinal stabilization
• Manual therapy
• Aquatic therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Posture education

Contact our team today for more information about how we can help with your herniated disc or to schedule an initial appointment.