Legs go numb from the spine

What to do if your leg hurts and goes numb due to a spinal hernia

Many people are familiar with the feeling when, after a long period of immobility, the muscles of the legs become numb, tingling or goosebumps appear. They go away quickly if you walk around a little or massage the limb.

But if such numbness occurs frequently, and the leg hurts even after a massage or physical activity, then the cause may be a lumbar hernia.

Why do your legs hurt because of a bad back?

Can your legs hurt from your spine? Why does pain occur? Is it really because of the spine that my legs hurt or are there other reasons?

There are many reasons for the occurrence of numbness and pain in the lower extremities; only a doctor, after a thorough examination, can say what provokes the discomfort.

But if examinations reveal a herniated disc, then most likely it is what causes pain in the leg, accompanied by impaired sensitivity. The mechanism of development of painful manifestations can have 2 options:

The hernia compresses nearby nerve processes, causing sensory disturbances or painful phenomena in the lower extremities. This option is the most common and occurs in most patients. In such a situation, they say that a hernia of the lumbar spine causes numbness in the leg. The appearance of sensory impairment syndrome indicates that the hernial manifestations were not detected in time, and the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage.

A reflexive, long-lasting myospasm, provoked by a hernial protrusion, can provoke sensory disturbances and painful manifestations in the leg muscles. More often these are cramps or unpleasant tingling sensations.

But even if the hernial protrusion was removed for medical reasons, numbness in the leg may occur after removal of the hernia.

As a rule, such a symptom is a consequence of the operation and gradually disappears during the rehabilitation course, which takes a long time.

What to do when your leg goes numb due to a herniated disc? How to help yourself?

If such symptoms occur, you should remember that you will not be able to relieve numbness and muscle spasms on your own at home. Only timely comprehensive treatment under medical supervision can prevent possible complications that can provoke hernial phenomena in the lower back.

But in order to reduce or temporarily eliminate unpleasant sensations, you can use:

Massage the limb with any pain-relieving warming ointment (Ortofen, Finalgon, Diclofenac).

Orthopedic patches if there is prolonged myospasm. The patches can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription; they will help relieve tension in spasmodic muscles and improve blood circulation in the tissues.

Physical therapy exercises aimed at relaxing and stretching the lumbar region. They will help reduce the intensity of compression of the nerve roots by the hernial process.

How are sensory disorders treated?

They diagnosed herniation of the spine, now the leg is stretching and hurting. How to treat? – this is the question many sick people ask.

All treatment procedures are prescribed by a neurologist after a thorough examination. In this case, the main treatment is not aimed at eliminating pain in the leg due to a herniated disc, but at eliminating the cause that caused the pathological symptoms.

Surgical treatment is rarely performed; as a rule, conservative therapy is used, which includes:

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often a course of injections for 5-7 days. After the disappearance of acute manifestations, the patient is transferred to medications suitable for long-term therapy. Typically, during the subacute period, selective drugs that have an analgesic effect are used. Their dosage is carefully calculated taking into account the characteristics of the disease and the patient’s body.

Prescription of drugs that improve blood supply to nerve processes, often in the form of intramuscular injections or intravenous infusion.

Prescribing muscle relaxants that have a relaxing and analgesic effect to alleviate the patient’s condition. In severe cases, spinal blockades may be used.

The use of chondroprotectors to promote partial restoration of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs.

Physiotherapy. Electrophoresis and magnetic therapy help well during the subacute stage.

Massage of the back and leg muscles.

Therapeutic gymnastics under medical supervision.

If it turns out that the cause of the sensitivity disorder is a sore back, then you should not try to cure it yourself.

Self-medication can provoke complications such as hypoxia of spasmed muscles, which leads to disruption of their functions and nutrition of the pinched nerve, causing disruption of muscle innervation. All this can cause long-term loss of ability to work and lead to disability.

By the way, now you can get my free e-books and courses that will help you improve your health and well-being.

Denial of responsibility

The information in the articles is for general information purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis of health problems or for therapeutic purposes. This article is not a substitute for medical advice from a doctor (neurologist, therapist). Please consult your doctor first to know the exact cause of your health problem.

If your leg goes numb due to a spinal hernia

What is an intervertebral hernia

In the ridge between the vertebrae there are fibrocartilaginous formations that serve to absorb shocks when walking, running, and jumping. They are called disks. The disc consists of a gel-like core, a dense fibrous ring and a thin cartilaginous layer, which takes part in the nutrition of the vertebra.

A hernia is a displacement of the nucleus and rupture of the fibrous ring. The protruded part of the nucleus compresses the nerve ending, causing muscle spasms, pain and numbness of the limbs. You may also experience a feeling of “goosebumps” or wobbly legs. With prolonged sitting, bending, or coughing, the pain may intensify.

The hernia is visible during an MRI, ultrasound or CT scan. X-rays can also sometimes determine the presence of this pathology.

The nature of numbness with a hernia

The nature of the numbness depends on the location of the hernia. If the disc in the thoracic region is damaged, the fingers will go numb. Patients note numbness in the leg due to a herniated disc in the lumbar region. In pathology of the thoracic region this phenomenon is not observed.

A hernia can directly affect the nerve. In this case, the sensitivity of a certain area of ​​the leg is lost. The second option is that pressure on the nerve causes a reflex spasm of the leg muscles. In this case, along with loss of sensitivity, there may be frequent cramps, tingling, and sharp pain in the leg muscles.

with prolonged compression of the nerve near the spinal column;

when using aggressive methods of manual therapy, improperly performed massage, etc.

numbness in a section of the leg, sometimes in both lower extremities;

attacks of back pain;

tingling, “pins and needles” in the limbs;

may develop into a more serious illness, leading to disability or limited life activity.

Numbness of the legs due to intervertebral hernia

After removal of the hernia, relapses often occur, again, numbness of the limbs. Therefore, proper rehabilitation involves regular physical exercises, specially selected to restore the functionality of the spine and prevent the recurrence of pathologies.

Procedures prescribed for numbness of the leg:

reflexology;

cryotherapy;

spinal traction (restores the correct position of the nucleus in the disc).

Therapeutic exercises for numbness in the legs at home

Massage using wooden abacus. Wear cotton socks to avoid damaging your skin. Place a large wooden abacus on the floor and roll it with your feet, massaging your feet and toes. Perform morning and evening for 10-15 minutes.

Pour river pebbles into a small box and walk in place in it for 15 minutes.

Lebedev Evgeniy Ivanovich

Experience in the industry - more than 10 years

Numbness of the leg due to hernia

Irina Nikolaevna, hello. I am 34 years old and have been at home with back pain for 6 weeks. An MRI showed a 5 mm L4L5 disc herniation, after visiting a vertebrologist, my right leg hurts and goes numb. At week 4 it became easier, now I leave the house for a couple of hours, but I can’t stand or sit for a long time, my back and leg hurt. I injected and drank movalis, ctorol, sirdolud, milgamma. I do phoresis with Karipazim. Please tell me if this long-term numbness in my legs is normal or do I need other treatment? Thanks a lot.

Hello! The numbness speaks volumes. that the nerve has been compressed for a long time. The hernia itself is not that large (you write that it is 5 mm). I don’t understand from the text, did the pain and numbness appear after visiting a vertebrologist? A vertebrologist is a chiropractor. We need to understand whether the doctor knows new techniques, softer, more gentle? (craniosacral therapy or osteopathy). Karipazim does not cure hernia. relieves inflammation and swelling, which reduces pain. It takes a long time to do electrophoresis - up to a month with breaks - a similar cycle is repeated three times. If there is no allergy, then lidase can be used instead of Karipazim. diluted with 5% dimexide, which is much more economical, and the effect (according to my 10 years of experience as a physical therapy doctor) is no worse. Try taking a course with an osteopath/chiropractor without giving up electrophoresis, the result will be much better.

Thank you very much for the answer. The pain appeared immediately after the vertebrologist, and numbness in the leg after 2 weeks. The pain subsides, but the numbness remains. Could this lead to worse consequences or will everything be restored when the swelling in the back goes away? Can an osteopath remove a 5 mm hernia or just correct it so that it doesn’t hurt? I plan to do physical therapy when the pain subsides, God willing. An allergy to Karipazim has already appeared after the 14th procedure, so far I’m patient. Which is better: chiropractic or osteopath? Thank you.

Chiropractors (osteopaths and others) do not remove a hernia - this is not straightening a joint, not even matching fracture fragments, this is LEAKING of the core (gel-like) beyond the boundaries of the cartilaginous disc. The hernia is reduced by reducing swelling and relaxing the small ligaments of the spine. What is different about an osteopath/chiropractor - there is no torsion or forced movements. The movements are soft! The cause of the problem may not be in the spine itself, but in the internal organs or distant muscles, and the osteopath will remove this cause, the cause will go away, and the manifestation of the hernia will decrease. Osteopathy and chiropractic - the essence is the same - as with a chiropractor and chiropractor - treatment with hands. LOOK FOR SMART HANDS! (look at the websites of your city; there may also be a method called craniosacral therapy)

Thank you very much for the answer. I found an osteopath, I take Karipazim and I will write about the results. God bless you and your patients!

Causes, diagnosis, treatment of leg numbness due to spinal hernia

Types of sensitivity disorders due to herniated discs

The feeling of numbness of the lower limb occurs due to compression syndrome of the spinal roots at the L5-S1 level, i.e. fifth lumbar – first sacral. Numbness of the leg due to a spinal hernia often occurs along with pain in the lower back and sacrum, radiating along the back and side of the thigh and lower leg to the foot. The feeling of numbness may be accompanied by a feeling of crawling or tingling in the same leg. Collectively, these sensations are called paresthesia .

Symptoms of a hernia of the lumbar spine also include hyperesthesia - increased sensitivity of the lower extremities. Hyperesthesia is observed much less frequently than decreased sensitivity. Their manifestation in a patient with an intervertebral hernia is characterized by burning pain or a feeling of strong pressure when touching the leg, touching it, or trying to gather the skin into a fold.

How to differentiate paresthesia, hypoesthesia and hyperesthesia at home

At home, it is quite possible to assess the degree and nature of sensory impairment in the lower extremities, but an assistant will be needed for this. Sensitivity must be determined symmetrically on both limbs . in this case, the subject lies on his back. The sensations should be described as follows: the same – less (I don’t feel it) – more (stronger, more painful).

Less (I don’t feel) is a characteristic of hypoesthesia, more (more painful) is a characteristic of hyperesthesia. Paresthesia will remain only a subjective sensation.

Sensitivity can be tested by:

1. Definition of feeling of pressure. The subject's task is to distinguish between touch and real finger pressure.
2. Assessment of joint and muscle sensation. The assistant performs passive movements in the joints of the foot, ankle and knee joint. The subject must recognize the direction of movement and the joint in which this movement is performed.
3. Tactile sensations. Normally, a person can feel light touches with a brush or cotton swab. It is better to study tactile sensations in symmetrical areas for comparison.

Depending on the clinical picture of the underlying disease, the patient may be recommended conservative and surgical tactics. Conservative treatment includes the following points:

4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the acute period, it is possible to prescribe injections of diclofenac, ketonal for 5 days, followed by a transition to selective drugs. The drugs of choice for long-term treatment of pain syndrome are Movalis, Celecoxib, and Nimesil.
5. Muscle relaxants – “Sirdalud”, “Mydocalm”. In addition to the relaxing effect on the muscles at the site of inflammation, they have an analgesic effect.
6. Chondroprotectors – “Dona”, “Chondrolon”.
7. Therapeutic exercise and massage are also effective methods of treatment, but they are prescribed during the period of remission or attenuation of an exacerbation. Conventional general massage for intervertebral hernias is contraindicated.
1. Modern aspects of diagnosis and treatment of intervertebral disc herniations of the lumbar spine. Batysheva T.T. Bagir L.V. Kuzmina Z.V. Boyko N.V. – Journal “Attending Physician”, – No. 6, 2006.
2. Pain in the lower back. Kachkov I.A. Filimonov B.A. Kedrov A.V. – Russian medical journal.

One of the common complaints in patients with herniated discs of the lumbar and sacral regions is numbness of the lower limb. According to statistics, about 2/3 of such patients have various sensory disorders, usually in the distal regions. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that when the root is compressed, the long nerve fibers are primarily affected.

Types of sensitivity disorders due to herniated discs

The feeling of numbness of the lower limb occurs due to compression syndrome of the spinal roots at the L5-S1 level, i.e. fifth lumbar - first sacral. Numbness of the leg due to a spinal hernia often occurs along with pain in the lower back and sacrum, radiating along the back and side of the thigh and lower leg to the foot. The feeling of numbness may be accompanied by a feeling of crawling or tingling in the same leg. Collectively, these sensations are called paresthesia .

The feeling of numbness in the leg must be differentiated from true numbness, i.e. decreased sensitivity of the lower limb when pressing on it with the hand, light injections - hyposthesia . Hypostesthesia is also expressed in decreased sensitivity to temperature, for example, to the temperature of the water in the bathroom.

How to differentiate paresthesia, hypoesthesia and hyperesthesia at home

At home, it is quite possible to assess the degree and nature of sensory impairment in the lower extremities, but an assistant will be needed for this. Sensitivity must be determined symmetrically on both limbs , with the subject lying on his back. The sensations should be described as follows: the same - less (I don’t feel it) - more (stronger, more painful).

3. Vibration sensitivity is assessed with a tuning fork, which, unfortunately, is not always available in the arsenal of household items. The winded tuning fork is applied to symmetrical areas of the skin. The subject's task is to determine the vibration (usually after 15 seconds) and the location of the tuning fork.
4. Temperature sensitivity is determined using small containers with hot and cold water (pipette, test tube, small bottle of penicillin). The task of the subject is to determine hot-cold and the place of application to the legs.

Points 1-3 describe the so-called deep sensitivity; it suffers less often with herniated discs.

Points 4-5 refer to superficial sensitivity, its violations are the most common.

Treatment of these disorders is associated with the treatment of the underlying disease – intervertebral hernia.

5. Improving blood supply - Pentoxifylline, Actovegin, Berlition.
6. Physiotherapeutic methods have proven themselves well in the treatment of hernias: electrophoresis with novocaine, aminophylline, magnetic therapy, mud therapy, etc.
7. Modern aspects of diagnosis and treatment of intervertebral disc herniations of the lumbar spine. Batysheva T.T., Bagir L.V., Kuzmina Z.V., Boyko N.V. – Journal “Attending Physician”, – No. 6, 2006.
8. Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine: diagnosis, clinical picture and treatment. Tyurnikov V.M. – Russian medical journal.
9. Pain in the lower back. Kachkov I.A., Filimonov B.A., Kedrov A.V. — Russian medical journal.

Numbness of the leg due to spinal hernia

Intervertebral hernia is only one of the possible causes of numbness of the lower extremities. However, this option is the most dangerous. Most often, a hernia, which causes such an unpleasant symptom as numbness of the leg, is located in the lumbar spine.

Numbness of the leg due to a spinal hernia occurs due to the direct pressure on the nerve roots that the hernia exerts. This option is most often found in medical practice. But there is another, indirect way of intervertebral hernia influencing sensitivity in the legs - the hernia can cause a reflex spasm of the muscle tissue of the leg, overstrain of which threatens a feeling of numbness. Usually in this case, a person feels unpleasant pins and needles in the leg, tingling, pain or frequent cramps.

If a neurologist determines the true cause of numbness in the legs as an intervertebral hernia, treatment should begin immediately. For partial or temporary loss of sensation in the legs or feet is a consequence of the fact that the disease has been neglected. If you ask patients with numbness about discomfort that they may have previously ignored, many will remember back pain and sharp “shooting” from the spine to the limb. Numbness in the leg due to a spinal hernia can develop into more serious diseases, depriving a person of the opportunity to live a full, healthy life.

Numbness in the leg due to a herniated disc can develop into more serious diseases, depriving a person of the opportunity to live a full, healthy life.

There are many treatment options for numbness. However, the patient’s attentive attitude to his health is paramount. Most often, people who experience leg numbness due to a herniated disc are prescribed:

10. Painkillers for periods of exacerbation of pain;
11. Physiotherapeutic procedures, such as electropheresis with the administration of a drug;
12. Special massage;
13. Mechanotherapy;
14. Therapeutic gymnastics, which must be done in a physical therapy class under the supervision of a trainer.

However, the most effective method of combating the pressure of an intervertebral hernia on the nerve roots is still traction of the spine. It is optimal to find a rehabilitation center that provides underwater traction services. The staff of specialists working in this department must be highly qualified in general medicine and physical therapy. Health care workers should carefully monitor the technique of performing exercises and the order of increasing the load. The procedure includes several stages, which should be performed in strict order and under the guidance of a doctor:

The most effective method of dealing with the pressure of a herniated disc is spinal traction. Find a rehabilitation center that provides underwater traction services.

15. Underwater gymnastics aimed at relaxing the muscle corset and stretching the spinal column;
16. Direct traction. The procedure takes place in a swimming pool, where the patient fixes his body in a suspended state using a special apparatus, and a belt with suspended weights is put on his waist. It is necessary to hang in this position for the allotted time;
17. The final stage of underwater traction will be fixing the patient’s body in a supine position for a period of half an hour.

Afterwards, you can go home, having first put on a healing belt. Wearing a corset is recommended after the traction procedure for two to three hours, no more. During underwater traction, a pressure difference is formed in the spinal column, due to which the hernia seems to be “sucked” into an enlarged cavity, formed as a result of stretching of the spine under the weight of the load. Therefore, the pressure on the nerve endings is significantly weakened and the numbness in the legs goes away.

Numbness of the limbs is familiar to many people. The modern rhythm of life, sedentary work and insufficient physical activity do not have the best effect on human health and can cause temporary numbness in the arms and legs. However, if numbness recurs frequently and does not go away when changing body position, the problem is most likely due to a disease of the spine.

If possible, we recommend that you watch a video about the causes of numbness in the arms and legs due to a spinal hernia, as well as what to do in such cases and how to deal with it:

Spinal hernia as a cause of numbness in the legs

The human spine is responsible for many body functions, including the normal functioning of the limbs. A common symptom of spinal diseases is numbness in the legs. This is due to compression syndrome, caused by compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord.

Numbness of the leg due to a herniated disc is considered common. Most often, the hernial formation that provokes the occurrence of such a symptom is localized in the lumbar region. The feeling of numbness in the lower limb is accompanied by a feeling of crawling, tingling, pain or frequent cramps. Compression syndrome is manifested by painful sensations in the stomach or heart, as in other pathological conditions. In view of this, it is not possible to independently determine the diagnosis, and if such clinical manifestations appear, you should not delay going to the doctor.

Pain and numbness in the limbs most often occur with a hernial protrusion in the lumbar region. Against the background of the pathological process, pinching of the nerve processes between the vertebrae occurs, which causes muscle spasm that occurs in response to pain. This leads to compression of blood vessels and disruption of adequate blood supply to tissues. The result of this process is such unpleasant symptoms as tingling, pins and needles, pain and numbness in the limb.

Treatment for such a pathology is prescribed only after a preliminary examination. Diagnostic measures include computer and magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and fluoroscopic examination. Such an examination will determine why this symptom occurred, based on which appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

Treatment of limb numbness caused by a herniated disc should be carried out in conjunction with treatment of the underlying disease.

In most clinical cases, it is possible to get rid of hernial protrusion without the use of surgical methods. The basis of therapeutic measures to eliminate pathology is the procedure of spinal traction and normalization of tissue nutrition. Such manipulations lead to complete recovery.

Also, conservative treatment for a hernia accompanied by numbness of the leg includes the following.

Taking painkillers

In the stage of exacerbation of the disease, in order to relieve pain, injections of the drugs “Diclofenac” and “Ketanol” are prescribed. In addition, the drug “Menovazin” has a good therapeutic effect for painful sensations of nerve damage. The medicine is presented in the form of an ointment intended for external use. "Menovazin" (ointment) has a combined composition and has a pronounced analgesic effect. The product is applied to the skin areas located above the affected area and thoroughly rubbed into the skin. To increase the therapeutic effect of Menovazin, it is advisable to use it three times a day until pain is completely eliminated. Remember that Menovazin has contraindications. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy. An alternative to Menovazin ointment during pregnancy is Paracetamol. The product is used with extreme caution during lactation and for children under 18 years of age.

To relax muscles at the site of inflammation, the use of mirolaxants may be recommended. Frequently prescribed ones include Mydocalm and Serdalud. These drugs also relieve pain.

Improved blood circulation

To normalize and improve blood supply, the following drugs are prescribed: Pentoxifyline, Berlition, Actovegin.

To restore normal functioning of the spine, treatment involves special physical exercises, water aerobics, and special massage. In addition, the patient is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures - electrophoresis with the administration of medication.

Therapeutic exercise and massage are effective therapeutic methods for hernial protrusion, but they are prescribed when the clinical manifestations weaken. It is not recommended to do general massage for intervertebral hernia.

To improve blood circulation and stimulate the functioning of nerve endings, it is recommended to perform the following exercises:

18. rolling a rolling pin or glass bottle on the floor with your feet;
19. prolonged walking on toes;
20. performing a massage using a special massager called “Wooden abacus”. The massage should be done in cotton socks to avoid damaging the skin. The therapeutic massager should be placed on the floor, your feet should be placed on rollers and the machine should be slowly rolled for 3-5 minutes, gradually increasing the pace. This massage is done twice a day;
21. In addition, foot massage is performed using a special rug with imitation sea pebbles.

Such exercises, when performed regularly, will eliminate the discomfort expressed in numbness of the legs and help relieve the accompanying pain.

Pain and numbness in the limbs are common. An accelerated rhythm of life, improper distribution of physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle negatively affect the condition of the spine. If you are concerned about such a symptom, this is a reason to consult a doctor, since it is better to identify the disease at an early stage.

A herniated disc is sometimes accompanied by numbness in the leg, fingers, or part of the foot. This is due to damage to the nerve axons. According to statistics, in 90% of cases, numbness in the legs is the result of various diseases of the spine.

What is an intervertebral hernia

The nature of numbness with a hernia

Numbness in the leg is observed:

22. after removal of an intervertebral hernia;
23. as a result of intense stress on the spine;

Consequences of lumbar intervertebral hernia:

• shooting from the spine to the leg;

Treatment of numbness in the legs due to a spinal hernia should be carried out in combination with the underlying disease.

A herniated disc can be treated without surgery. Exercises aimed at stretching the spine and restoring nutrition to the tissues around it help to completely get rid of the disease.

• drug treatment during an exacerbation (analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, minerals, chondroprotectors, etc.);
• physiotherapy (ultrasound, electrophoresis with the introduction of drugs, phonophoresis, laser radiation and other techniques that trigger tissue repair processes);
• massages;
• manual therapy (relieves spasms, reduces muscle tension, restores joint mobility, helps release a pinched nerve);
• therapeutic exercises (restores blood circulation in the numb area and the entire limb, prevents further development of the pathological process);

Therapeutic exercises for numbness in the legs at home

To stimulate blood circulation and the functioning of nerve endings, doctors recommend performing the following exercises:

• Roll a rolling pin with your feet.
• Walk on tiptoes as much as possible.

These are exercises for local treatment of numbness due to intervertebral hernia. After regular exercise, discomfort should decrease. But to get rid of the problem forever, you need a complex of therapeutic exercises for the spine.

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Numbness of the legs due to intervertebral hernia

When a person’s legs go numb, he rarely associates this with diseases of the spine, including spinal hernia. In this case, numbness of the lower extremities is a fairly common concomitant symptom of spinal column pathology. To determine the connection between these two disorders, you need to understand the specifics of each of them.

What are the symptoms of numbness in the legs due to a hernia?

The spine of the human body is responsible for the performance of all systems and organs. In particular, the functioning of the musculoskeletal system depends on it. If there are disorders in the lumbar region, including intervertebral hernia, numbness and pain in the legs are possible. The intensity of the discomfort depends on the stage of development of the hernia.

The main reason why the leg goes numb as a result of an intervertebral hernia is compression of the nerve endings running along the spinal column. Doctors explain this by spasms of the tissues surrounding the nerves. Additionally, a person may experience other symptoms:

• feeling as if legs have become weak;
• the appearance of goosebumps and tingling on the skin of the lower extremities;
• numbness of the feet and fingers.

If you sit or stand in one place for a long time, your legs will become especially numb. To determine the cause associated with a herniated disc, clinical examinations are required, including:

What you need to know about the causes of numbness in the legs due to intervertebral hernia

When the leg goes numb due to a herniated disc, the foot can also go numb. The older the person, the more pronounced this effect. In advanced forms, the patient may experience disturbances in gait and a limp. In this case, it is impossible to do without the help of a good specialist.

Often, people whose foot or entire leg begins to go numb as a result of a herniated disc, go to chiropractors, but this decision is not always the right one. Even a good chiropractor will not get rid of your hernia, and without curing your legs, after a while they will begin to go numb again.

Severe and prolonged numbness in the legs due to a herniated disc occurs after spinal surgery. Many people are very worried about this, because the protruding hernia has already been removed, but numbness and pain continue to haunt. In this case, good rehabilitation is required in compliance with medical recommendations. After the recovery period is complete, your legs should stop going numb.

Methods for treating numbness in the legs as a result of a herniated disc

A neurologist can accurately determine that your legs are going numb precisely because of an intervertebral hernia. At the same time, the legs do not begin to go numb spontaneously - before this there is always discomfort and even back pain, indicating the beginning of the development of a hernia. In this case, complex therapy is required, which may include:

• taking painkillers during exacerbations;
• physiotherapy (eg electrophoresis);
• massage from a professional;
• physical therapy under the supervision of a specialist.

Stretching the spine is a good way to get rid of the problem of numbness in the legs due to a lumbar hernia. Some clinics provide underwater traction services, which are highly effective.

All the described treatment methods and procedures are aimed at treating the spine, which allows you to subsequently get rid of the factors that cause your legs to go numb. You can also do simple exercises at home if your limbs begin to go numb - this could be simple morning exercises with an emphasis on stretching your back.

Categories : Treatment methods