Symptoms of a Herniated Disk

A herniated disk is a problem that affects the soft, spongelike disks between each vertebra in the spinal column. When a disk herniates, it loses its natural shape and oftentimes moves out of its normal anatomical position within the spinal column.

Back Pain

• It is common for a herniated disk to produce back pain, especially in areas near the affected disk. A herniated disk often puts pressure on the nerves and soft tissues around it, and this pressure can cause back pain.

Leg Pain

• Depending on its location, a herniated, or ruptured, disk can cause leg pain, which may be severe. A herniated disk can irritate and inflame the nerves that run from the spinal column down into the legs, which produces sharp, stabbing leg pains.

Leg Numbness

• Leg numbness is often caused by a herniated disk. As a herniated disk bulges against spinal nerves that travel down into the legs, numbness may occur.

Sciatica

• Sciatica can result if a herniated disk presses against and/or irritates the sciatic nerve, which is a large bundle of nerves that run from the lower lumbar spine through the buttocks and into the lower leg.

Muscle Spasms

• Muscle spasms commonly result if a herniated disk presses against and/or irritates the muscle fibers near the spinal column. Muscle spasms can be localized near the herniated disc, or they can be more generalized and travel over larger areas.