The difference between internal and external herniation of lumbar intervertebral discs usually lies in the different locations of the herniated discs as well as the different symptoms produced.
1. Different herniation locations: Usually lumbar disc protrusion actually refers to protrusion into the adjacent upper and lower vertebrae, breaking through the cartilage plate and forming a Schmidt’s node, which is relatively rare. The herniated lumbar intervertebral disc, on the other hand, usually protrudes to the posterior side, which can compress or irritate the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in symptoms, which are more common.
2. Symptoms are different: An intradiscal herniation usually does not lead to nerve compression and can cause back pain, but most of them do not show symptoms and do not require treatment. On the other hand, herniated lumbar intervertebral discs may compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing nerve symptoms, low back pain, radiating pain in the lower limbs, numbness, or urinary and bowel disorders, which need to be treated.
After the symptoms of lumbar disc herniation, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time for examination and standardized treatment according to the doctor’s instructions after a clear diagnosis to avoid delaying the condition. At the same time, do a good job of daily care, avoid exertion.