What is the difference between a lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis?

A herniation happens when the bulging disc presses on a nerve; pain and leg numbness often get worse when you bend forward or sit. Stenosis happens when the passage the nerve runs through narrows; the typical pattern is numbness and weakness in the legs while walking that eases when you rest. The two can occur together, so we confirm with MRI.

What is biportal endoscopic spine surgery?

Two small portals are made — an endoscope through one, the instruments through the other — so the lesion is treated under direct view. The site can be magnified and examined precisely, which helps keep the incision and the damage to surrounding muscle smaller.

Does a vertebral compression fracture require hospitalization?

Admission depends on the severity of the fracture, the pain and the overall condition of the patient. If the fracture is not severe and the pain is controlled, non-surgical care — bracing, rest and medication — can be given while the course is watched. Where the pain is severe or the fracture is progressing, a procedure such as vertebroplasty may be considered.

Spine Center

Spine center

Lower back

Lumbar spine

허리디스크, 척추관협착증 등 허리·다리 통증의 원인을 확인합니다.

척추 질환은 뼈뿐 아니라 디스크와 신경이 함께 얽혀 있어 정확한 진단이 중요합니다. 척추센터는 정형외과·신경외과·영상의학과·마취통증의학과가 협진해 통증의 원인을 정밀하게 확인합니다.

Lower back conditions

Tap a condition to read more below

허리 질환

허리디스크란, 요추 뼈와 뼈 사이의 추간판이 밀려 나와 다리로 내려가는 신경을 눌러 허리와 다리에 통증이 생기는 질환입니다.

허리보다 다리가 더 아픈 것이 특징이며, 기침이나 재채기처럼 배에 힘이 들어갈 때 통증이 심해집니다. 대부분 비수술 치료로 좋아지지만 다리 힘이 빠지거나 대소변 조절이 어려우면 빠른 진료가 필요합니다.

Pain radiating down the leg
Worse when bending forward
Numbness in the leg

Causes

Staying squatted for long periods · Prolonged stress and tension · Long drives or heavy physical work · 다리를 꼬는 습관이나 굽이 높은 신발을 자주 신는 경우

How it is diagnosed

History and physical examination — The specialist takes your symptoms, medical history and daily habits, then examines you to reach a diagnosis.

X-ray — X-rays pass through the body and the differences in shadow they leave are used for diagnosis.

Ultrasound — Ultrasound uses no radiation and is quick and painless, which makes it easy on patients.

MRI — High-resolution imaging of what X-ray cannot show: soft tissue, muscle, ligament and cartilage, along with nerves and vessels.

비수술 · 시술 치료

Lumbar disc herniation

Manual and exercise therapy
A physiotherapist uses release techniques and joint mobilisation, guided by anatomy, to reduce pain and restore function.
Nerve block
A non-surgical pain treatment: under live imaging, medication is injected around the nerve causing the pain to settle inflammation and swelling.
Lumbar epidural neuroplasty (L-PEN)
Epidural neuroplasty treats pain without surgery by delivering medication to the nerve affected by a disc or stenosis. Depending on the observation time, the procedure and discharge can happen on the same day.

Surgical treatment

Decided after consultation

Lower back FAQ

What is the difference between a lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis?: A herniation happens when the bulging disc presses on a nerve; pain and leg numbness often get worse when you bend forward or sit. Stenosis happens when the passage the nerve runs through narrows; the typical pattern is numbness and weakness in the legs while walking that eases when you rest. The two can occur together, so we confirm with MRI.
What is biportal endoscopic spine surgery?: Two small portals are made — an endoscope through one, the instruments through the other — so the lesion is treated under direct view. The site can be magnified and examined precisely, which helps keep the incision and the damage to surrounding muscle smaller.
Does a vertebral compression fracture require hospitalization?: Admission depends on the severity of the fracture, the pain and the overall condition of the patient. If the fracture is not severe and the pain is controlled, non-surgical care — bracing, rest and medication — can be given while the course is watched. Where the pain is severe or the fracture is progressing, a procedure such as vertebroplasty may be considered.

Spine Center care pathway

Consultation and history

We check the pattern of pain and whether there is numbness or weakness.

Precise imaging

MRI and CT show the state of the disc and nerves.

Treatment plan

We set a direction centred on non-surgical treatment.

Treatment and rehabilitation

Posture and strength rehabilitation afterwards helps prevent recurrence.

Booking and inquiries