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The Daily Insight

What are the symptoms of a lumbar hernia

Author

Andrew Campbell

Published Apr 04, 2026

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.Abdominal cramps.

How do you know if you have a lumbar hernia?

A Lumbar hernia is usually noticed as a lump on the back, which can be painful on coughing. A lumbar hernia can also have other vague symptoms of general back pain or discomfort. The lump may still be apparent on lying flat and also be aggravated by exercise.

How painful is lumbar hernia?

Back and abdominal pain is common to many patients with lumbar hernias. It will typically be a vague soreness, with varying levels of intensity, but may be described by the patient as a specific site of tenderness.

How do you treat a lumbar hernia?

  1. Rest. One to 2 days of bed rest will usually help relieve back and leg pain. …
  2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.
  3. Physical therapy. …
  4. Epidural steroid injection.

Where is a lumbar hernia located?

The area between the bottom rib and the hip bone in the lower back is called the lumbar triangle, with one on each side. This area in the back of the abdominal cavity can be susceptible to hernias, albeit rare. A lumbar hernia can occur in the lumbar triangle in the lower back, presenting on the side of the abdomen.

Do Xrays show herniated discs?

Imaging tests Plain X-rays don’t detect herniated disks, but they can rule out other causes of back pain, such as an infection, tumor, spinal alignment issues or a broken bone. CT scan.

What can be mistaken for a hernia?

(SLS). Hernias can go misdiagnosed in women, and can instead be thought to be ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, or other abdominal issues, according to the SLS. Women’s hernias can be small and internal. They might not be a bulge that can be felt in an exam or be visible outside the body, according to the SLS.

Is walking good for herniated disc?

Absolutely. Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.

Is lumbar spondylosis arthritis?

Technically, spondylosis is a form of arthritis—spinal osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis) to be exact. We tend to think of arthritis as something you get in your hands and knees, but the spine, and all of its bones and joints, can fall victim to its grip as well.

Can hernia cause back and leg 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.

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Can a hernia make you tired?

Weakness. A feeling of muscle fatigue and weakness in the upper leg and groin can be a sign of a hernia.

Can a hernia cause flank pain?

Signs and Symptoms 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 do lumbar hernias occur?

Lumbar hernias develop through the weakening of the posterolateral abdominal wall associated with the Petit’s triangle or the Grynfeltt-Lesshaft triangle. Clinicians are generally unfamiliar with the presentation of lumbar hernias, which frequently leads to misdiagnosis and delay of treatment.

Does a hernia make you look fat?

Appearance. The hernia will look like a bulge or bump in the scrotum or groin region. Standing or bearing down with force will often make the bulge more noticeable. The bulge typically takes time to appear, but it can form suddenly after coughing, lifting heavy weights, straining, bending, or laughing.

Can a pulled muscle feel like a hernia?

A pulled abdominal muscle can sometimes feel similar to a hernia. A hernia is a bulge in the section of the abdomen when tissue, fat, or a part of the small intestines, expands through a weakened part of the abdomen.

What happens if a hernia is left untreated?

“Hernias cannot heal on their own — if left untreated, they usually get bigger and more painful, and can cause serious health risks in some cases.” If the wall through which the intestine is protruding closes shut, it can cause a strangulated hernia, which cuts off blood flow to the bowel.

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

  1. Sudden spike in pain, discomfort, weakness or numbness.
  2. Loss of bladder function.
  3. High fever.
  4. Severe stomach pain.
  5. Unexplainable weight loss.
  6. The pain results from a fall or severe blow to your back.

How do I know if I have sciatica or a herniated disc?

Typically, a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of low back pain or a long history of intermittent episodes of low back pain. Lumbar spine (lower back): Sciatica/Radiculopathy frequently results from a herniated disc in the lower back.

Where does it hurt when you have a herniated disc?

If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you’ll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. You might have pain in part of the foot, as well. If your herniated disk is in your neck, you’ll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm.

What does spondylosis pain feel like?

Patients often experience aching, stiffness, or pain in the mid back region described as a muscle spasm or tightness. If spondylosis causes pressure on the surrounding nerves there may be numbness, tingling or pain radiating into the chest, ribs, or abdominal areas known as radiculopathy.

Is walking good for lumbar spondylosis?

Walking strengthens the muscles that support your spine Your trunk, core, and lumbar (lower back) muscles play a vital role in maintaining the stability and movement of your lower back. These muscles can become deconditioned and weak from a sedentary lifestyle, causing malalignment of the spine.

What should not be done in lumbar spondylosis?

There should be restriction of heavy lifting, excessive bending, twisting or stooping and avoidance of any work or recreational activities that causes stress to the lumbar spine.

Can barely walk lower back pain?

Lumbar spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis often occurs in the lower part of the back, or lumbar spine, where it can lead to lower back pain when walking or standing. People often find that this pain improves with sitting down or leaning forward. Other symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis can include: weakness in the legs.

Why does my lower back hurt when I walk too much?

Extra weight around your stomach pulls your pelvis forward and strains your lower back, which causes acute pain when you walk. The additional weight also pulls down most of the weight of your upper body to your lower back, which adds even more pressure once you walk.

How do I sleep with a herniated disc?

The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.

Can a hernia cause sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatic hernia is a rare condition that can lead to bowel obstruction, sciatica, pelvic pain, back pain or ureteric obstruction [1, 2].

Can a hernia cause nerve pain?

When the nerves within the groin get stretched from either an acute hernia, or a chronic hernia, the entire length of the nerve becomes irritated. This irritation in the nerve can cause pain to radiate, or be relayed to areas below or above the actual hernia.

Does a hernia cause gas?

If the contents of the hernia become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall, the contents can obstruct the bowel, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.

What causes severe middle back pain?

Middle back pain causes include sports injuries, poor posture, arthritis, muscle strain, and car accident injuries. Middle back pain is not as common as lower back pain because the thoracic spine does not move as much as the spine in the lower back and neck.

What does hernia pain feel like in a woman?

Typically, patients with ventral hernias describe mild pain, aching or a pressure sensation at the site of the hernia. The discomfort worsens with any activity that puts a strain on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting, running or bearing down during bowel movements. Some patients have a bulge but do not have discomfort.

Can a hernia cause acid reflux?

The hernia itself can play a role in the development of both acid reflux and a chronic form of acid reflux called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hiatal hernias can require a variety of treatments, ranging from watchful waiting in mild cases to surgery in severe cases.