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Signs and Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A spinal disc is the soft cushion found between the vertebrae. There is a soft inner core surrounded by an elastic, but thick, outer shell. When the outer shell ruptures, the inner core will protrude and make contact with the surrounding nerves. This is referred to as a herniated disc. A herniated disc can be the result of years of wear and tear on the disc material, or it can be due to a traumatic injury to the back. The signs and symptoms of a herniated disc can be painful and persistent.

  1. Back Pain

    • The position of a herniated disc can sometimes create burning pain in the lower back. This pain can be exaggerated when the person attempts to bend his back. The Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch notes that lower back pain is normally one of the initial symptoms of a herniated disc, and this pain often moves to the leg over time.

    Bowel and Bladder Control

    • A severe herniated disc can apply pressure to a set of nerves, as opposed to one specific nerve, and in some cases this can cause loss of bowel control. The person may also suffer from the loss of bladder control, known as incontinence.

    Sciatica

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the body. It originates in the spinal cord near the hips and branches off down each leg. When a disc herniates and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, this is referred to as sciatica. The most common symptoms are shooting pain down one leg, increased pain when you walk or sit, and pain when you cough or make a sudden movement. As sciatica advances, other symptoms may include a tingling sensation in the leg that eventually turns to numbness and loss of use.

    Neck Pain

    • If you have a herniated disc higher up in the spine, then you may experience pain when you try to look up or move your head from side to side. This pain is most noticeable when you are seated and are trying to move your neck.

    Arm Pain

    • A herniated disc in the upper regions of the spine has a similar effect in the shoulder and arms that sciatica has in the legs. There is a shooting pain that evolves into a tingling sensation, and then eventually into numbness and loss of use of the arm.

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