Will residual numbness after herniated lumbar disk and surge

The lower extremities are innervated by spinal nerves that come from the lumbar and sacral region of the vertebral spine. Every spinal nerve divides into two roots as it leaves the spinal cord. The spinal nerve therefore divides into an "anterior root" and a "posterior root". The roots reunite into a common spinal nerve that exits the spinal column via the inter-vertebral foramina. Anterior roots contain motor nerve fibers that innervate muscles, causing them to contract. Posterior roots contain sensitive fibers that bring information from the body (in this case, the leg) to the central nervous system about pain, touch, and temperature. Pressure on the anterior spinal roots can cause motor symptoms such as muscle weakness or even paralyses. Pressure on the posterior roots can cause sensitive symptoms such as: itching, false sensations, and numbness. According to the localization of the symptoms you describe, your doctor can estimate which spinal nerve(s) is/are damaged. By removing the herniated disc, further nerve damage can be possible eliminated at that location...but the nerves that have been already damaged can’t be repaired completely so there are always some residual symptoms.


DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Back Pain Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.

The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.