Structure of the Spine
Herniated discs are a common reason people seek treatment for radiating back pain. The spine is composed of bony vertebrae and the intervertebral discs that sit between them. These cartilaginous discs serve as shock absorbers of the spine and also assist in providing flexibility.
The intervertebral disc is composed of two components. The exterior component is a thick outer ring made of fibrous cartilage called the annulus fibrosus. This ring surrounds the gelatinous core layer called the nucleus pulposus. During a herniation, the nucleus penetrates through the annulus, usually posteriorly, toward the spinal cord.
Disc Herniation Symptoms and Causes
Disc herniations most commonly occur in the lumbar spine or lower back, often from a traumatic event such as lifting something heavy or twisting. The likelihood of this increases with age because discs dehydrate over time, which makes them less able to absorb shock and more likely to bulge under stress.
Herniated discs can present with several symptoms such as back pain, radiating pain that travels down one or both legs, numbness, tingling, and loss of motor function. They may even affect a person’s ability to walk, both in the short term and years later, because of changes in the spine after the herniation.
Can You Walk with a Herniated Disc?
Yes, you can walk with a herniated disc, though pain levels may vary. In fact, many patients ask, “Is walking good for a herniated disc?” The answer depends on your condition and stage of recovery. In most cases, gentle walking can be beneficial, improving circulation and aiding healing—especially after the acute pain subsides.
However, some patients experience worsening symptoms with walking—especially early on. This is due to nerve inflammation and pressure on the affected area, and walking should be limited during this acute stage.
What to Expect After a Lumbar Disc Herniation
Immediately after a lumbar disc herniation, you may experience some leg pain and difficulty walking; however, in most cases this will resolve within 6 weeks.
In the initial days after a disc herniation, it is common to experience severe back pain with sharp radiating pain into the legs, commonly referred to as sciatic pain. Many people get little relief from this pain, and for some, it may get worse with walking.
Additionally, it is possible to experience losses in motor function as well as numbness and tingling in the legs. This pain is caused by the body’s response to the herniated disc. Increased inflammation often puts pressure on the nerves of the spine. Leg pain occurs because the nerves of the lumbar spine supply different regions of the legs, which is why they play an important role in walking.
While this initial pain is often very severe and debilitating, most individuals will fully recover and return to normal activities within 6 weeks of conservative treatment.
Surgical Intervention
In some cases, pain and dysfunction may continue past 6 weeks, warranting surgical intervention. This typically involves a surgery called a discectomy, which consists of removing the piece of the disc that has herniated and caused compression of the nerves.
Sometimes, with an initial disc herniation, individuals may experience extreme weakness in their legs. They may have a hard time walking and may even fall repeatedly. If this happens along with bladder or bowel problems, it may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a condition that could require emergency surgery after a disc herniation.
Long-Term Symptoms After a Herniated Disc
While many people recover fully after a herniated disc, some may notice similar symptoms years later. As we age our discs dehydrate and disc herniation becomes more frequent. While this will not always be symptomatic, disc herniations can result in a cascade of changes in the spine.
Over time, this may lead to a condition known as spinal stenosis, in which the spinal cord has become pinched, resulting in more consistent nerve pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling. Some individuals may even go on to have severe weakness or heaviness in their legs and difficulty walking.
These symptoms represent neurogenic claudication which is a manifestation of spinal stenosis. While many may be able to manage their symptoms, this might warrant surgical intervention as well.
lumbar disc herniation
Lumbar disc herniations are a common occurrence that might affect your ability to walk. In the short term, inflammation can result in nerve pain that radiates into your legs and might be exacerbated while walking. Fortunately, this pain will resolve in most patients by 6 weeks and very few will require surgical intervention.
Summary
While many will continue to live unaffected by their herniated disc, some individuals might experience walking problems at a later date. If you were diagnosed with a herniated disc in your past, and start to notice a reemergence of symptoms and decreased ability to walk this can be an indication that your herniated disc was part of a gradual process called lumbar spinal degeneration, which led to neurogenic claudication. If you are having trouble walking along with your back pain, it is important to seek treatment from a medical provider. We recommend requesting an appointment so we can discuss your situation.
