What is a disc?

The lumbar spine has five bones, called vertebrae. These vertebrae have softer material between them called discs. The discs have an outer series of rings of fibrous material called the Annulus fibrosis. There is an inner gelatin-like substance called the Nucleus pulposus. These discs act as "shock absorbers" and "bear the weight" of the body and the stresses of motion and posture

What is discogenic low back pain?

Low back pain has many causes; one of the more common sources of pain is the disc. Most of the disc material itself "feels" little sensation. The outer rings of the annulus do feel some pain when they are torn or stretched and this is often the first sign of a problem with a disc. Almost all people do gradually, over the course of their lives, tear through much of their annulus fibrosis. Until the outer rings tear allowing bulging of the inner (nuclear) material, the back pain is generally non-specific. Because of the unique anatomy in the lower back, when there is an annular tear and there is bulging of nuclear material, it tends to occur laterally (off to the side), to the right or left but rarely in the middle. This may irritate or compress nerve fibers which are located relatively close to the disc. In more severe cases, a piece of the nucleus pulposus may actually rupture (herniate) or actually break off and get sequestered (stuck) right next to or on top of the nerve root.

What are the symptoms of discogenic low back pain?

As the term suggests, the main symptom is pain. The pain varies with the degree of disc derangement. In simple annular tears, the pain is central or just a bit-off to the side and felt in the lower back solely. With progressive bulging or herniation, the patient may feel symptoms of "sciatica": pain primarily 'in the buttock or down the leg as far as the foot. This is often associated with tingling or numbness in the leg or foot, and there may be a sense of weakness or '1avoring the leg" when attempting to walk. The patient often feels as if his back is 'crooked': "like a question mark", "unable to fully straighten up':

What makes the pain worse?

Sitting for prolonged periods, especially unsupported or poorly supported in the small of the back, increases the pressure in the disc and worsens the pain. Coughing, sneezing, and bearing down, such as when constipated, all also increase the pain. Bending forward (flexion) and rotating to the side also aggravate the symptoms. Lifting heavy objects, especially out in front instead of close to the body, also increase disc pressure and aggravate the pain.

How does climate affect the condition?

Statistically, more people develop discogenic low back pain in the spring and fall. However, there is no evidence that cold drafts or damp weather especially worsen the condition.

What role do emotional stresses play?

People's emotional responses to ongoing or severe pain can certainly increase the impact of the pain, render a person non-functional, and lead to a cycle of anxiety, depression, and disability. However, discogenic low back pain is not a condition which is brought on by psychological or social problems.