Is a Ruptured Disk Sensitive to the Touch?

The spinal cord along the human back is protected by pads, which are called disks; they allow impacts to be absorbed as a person moves. These disks can rupture, due to age or wear, and this results in pain.

Function

• A disk ruptures, or herniates, when the inside of the disk leaks out of its corresponding area. The immediate area, being filled with nerves due to the proximity to the spine, can have varying degrees of pain. The level of pain depends on the extent of the rupture and where it is located on the back.

Features

• A ruptured disk can be sensitive to the touch, but it is also possible that it isn't just the disk that is causing pain. In fact, surrounding nerves could be irritated by the ruptured disc, resulting in nerve pain.

Significance

• Ruptured disks can be difficult for doctors to pinpoint, even after MRI scans and other testing procedures. It is imperative that a patient communicates in detail where the pain lies, the duration of pain and the level of pain, especially if accompanied by movement.