What Is a Ruptured Disk?

The spinal bones are cushioned by disks that have a tough outer shell surrounding a gelatinous substance. These disks act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep it flexible and elastic. Disks can become damaged, however, resulting in a ruptured disk, where some or all of the soft inner material is forced out through the weakened part of the shell. Ruptured disks also are called herniated or slipped disks. Most ruptured disks occur in the lower back (lumbar region), and the next most common place is the neck (cervical region).

Pain

• A ruptured disk might not cause pain or other symptoms. Usually symptoms occur when the bulging disk compresses a nerve root, which affects the back or other parts of the body, or both. A common symptom is pain running down the back of the leg from the lower spine, a condition called sciatica, because pressure is put on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica may affect the leg all the way down to the foot, and there also may be low back pain. If the ruptured disk is located in the cervical area, the person may experience pain in the shoulders or arms. The pain may be dull or sharp, and can include severe muscle pain and spasms.

Other Symptoms

• Other ruptured disk symptoms can include numbness or tingling in the affected areas and muscle weakness in the legs or arms. Weakness in both legs and a loss of bladder or bowel control is a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a severe condition which requires emergency medical attention to prevent permanent damage.

Disk Degeneration

• Degenerative disk disease is an aging-related process occurring when the soft material inside the disk starts losing its fluid content around age 30. This makes the disk more susceptible to injury. Even some young adults can experience severe cases due to genetic factors. People who commonly put stress on the spine during work or sports are more likely to experience a ruptured disk. Obese individuals are at greater risk, and smoking contributes to disk degeneration as well.

Disk Injury

• A ruptured disk also can be caused by trauma or strain to the spine. This may result from improperly lifting a heavy object, sharply twisting the back, falling, a vehicle accident, a sports-related injury or repeated strain on the back.

Treatment

• A ruptured disk typically will heal on its own within 6 months. A physician or physical therapist can teach the patient exercises to strengthen the back and prevent a recurrence. The patient may need to avoid most activity until the symptoms improve, and then gradually increase his activity level. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation. If symptoms are debilitating and continue for longer than 6 months, surgery may be recommended.