Ruptured Disc Symptoms

Between the bones of the spine are rounded discs with a tough outer casing and jelly-like fluid inside. These discs absorb the shock for the spine but occasionally are damaged, causing them to herniate or rupture.

Identification

• A disc is identified by the two bones of the spine it is between. The spine is broken into different sections, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacrum. A disc located between the fourth and fifth lumbar bones of the spine is identified as the L4-L5 disc.

Types

• The ruptured disc itself rarely causes pain. Instead, it is the disc pressing against nerves that causes pain. This can result in pain, numbness and tingling where the nerve extends, such as the leg or arm.

Diagnosis

• Based on your symptoms, your doctor may order a CT scan or MRI to diagnose the severity of your disc problems.

Treatment

• To relieve the symptoms of a ruptured disc, doctors often prescribe physical therapy, pain medication and other pain-management techniques, such as steroid injections or surgical treatment.

Considerations

• Pain, numbness and tingling that result from the ruptured disc pressing against a nerve can be a sign of long-term nerve damage, and your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatment, such as surgery.