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Could your pain be caused by a herniated disc? It may be hard to tell since symptoms may vary widely depending on the position and size of the herniation. Herniated discs may cause any of the symptoms listed below, but it's best to consult your physician for a more informed diagnosis.

What Symptoms Are Typical of a Herniated Disc?

If the herniated disc does not touch any nerves, then you may have a persistent ache or even no symptoms at all.

If the herniated disc presses on a nerve, then you may experience nerve-related symptoms in the part of your body which is supplied by that nerve. For instance, a herniation in the lower back can cause low Back pain and/or sciatica, pain which travels down the leg to the ankle or foot. Hernation in the middle of the back may result in pain in the front of the thigh, and herniation in the neck can create pain, weakness, or numbness in the chest, shoulders, or arms.

What Are Nerve-Related Symptoms?
  • When caused by a herniated disc, typical nerve-related symptoms include:
  • Numbness or tingling ("pins-and-needles" sensation)
  • Muscle weakness, resulting in stumbling, falling, or difficulty in lifting or holding objects
  • Pain, which may "shoot" through the arm or leg when you sneeze, cough, or move into certain positions and which may be relieved by other positions which relax the spine
  • Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
Can a Herniated Disc Cause Muscular Symptoms?

Yes, other symptoms may include deep muscle pain or muscle spasms. The pain can range from a general ache to a deep, severe pain.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Consult your physician as soon as you can if:

  • You have neck or back pain which seems to move down your arm or leg
  • You have neck or back pain accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness

Go to the emergency room immediately if:

  • You have weakness in both legs and have lost control of your bladder and/or bowels
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13y ago

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Related Questions

Where can one find information on symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms of a herniated disk can be obtained by one's physician. There are also many web sites that offer symptoms of common health problems that list the symptoms of a herniated disc.


What are some herniated disc symptoms?

The symptoms of a herniated disc will be different from time to time it depends on the location and the position of the disc. If you have constant pain in your lower back you may have a herniated disc.


What's a good herniated disc treatment?

"To treat a herniated disc, one must take into factor the symptoms, age of the patient, and activity level of the patient. In mild cases, the patient is advised to rest and avoid any activities that may irritate the symptoms. In a mild case, a herniated disc may resolve with time."


What are other names for a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is also referred to as a slipped, rupture, bulging, or protruding disc.


What problems does a herniated disc cause?

A herniated disc can cause problems or symptoms like leg weakness, back pain, and numbness or pain that radiates down the legs. A herniated disc occurs when there is a rupture of a disc that acts as cushion between the bones in the spine. If the disc presses on nerves, then a person can experience these symptoms.


What are the symptoms of a disc herniation?

Herniated disc that are not pressing on a nerve, may be lower back ache to no symptoms. A herniated disc that is hitting a nerve, may cause weakness, numbness and or pain in the area or path that the nerve travels. If your herniation is in lumbar (lower) you may start to get a sciatica. This is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, that shoots pain through buttocks and down the leg and can also cause lower back and leg pain. When herniation is in upper lumber located near bottom of ribs, then your thighs could possibly hurt. Herniation in the neck can cause numbness and or pain in chest, shoulders, and or arms.


What major nerve is involved in a herniated disc?

The major nerve commonly involved in a herniated disc is the sciatic nerve, particularly when the herniation occurs in the lumbar region of the spine. A herniated disc can compress the nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness radiating down the leg. In cervical herniations, the affected nerve roots can lead to similar symptoms in the arms and shoulders. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial to alleviate these symptoms and prevent further complications.


Where online can I find information on hospitals that specialize in herniated disc surgery?

There is no specific hospitals that specialize in herniated disc surgery. However, there are plenty of doctors that specialize in herniated disc surgery.


What are some treatment options for herniated disc?

Due to the discomfort experienced, consult a doctor immediately when herniated disc symptoms occur, such as severe back pain. Doing research at the library may help you learn about a herniated disc and possible treatments. However, your doctor will be able to discuss specific causes and treatments that pertain to your particular lifestyle, providing suggestions and prescription medication if necessary.


Identifying Herniated Disc Symptoms?

A herniated disc is a rather common and often highly painful health issue. Herniated disc symptoms can vary significantly, however, and so it may be difficult for you to determine if your pains are caused by this without a visit to the doctor. The reason the symptoms can vary significantly is because a herniated disc, otherwise known as a slipped disc, can occur anywhere on the spine from the upper back to the tail bone. Between each of the spinal bones are cushion-providing discs. Generally, only one slipped disc will be causing symptoms, but occasionally two or several may be herniated at the same time. Herniated disc symptoms may include localized back pain or pressure as well as pain, tingling, or numbness in one or both legs, one or both arms, the lower back, or the buttocks. Some pain may be excruciating and constant, and other pain may be intermittent, recurring, or mild in nature. Often pain is made worse by walking or other movement, but sitting or lying down in a certain position, coughing, sneezing, and more may also exacerbate the pain that is felt. Some herniated disc symptoms do require immediate medical attention and are considered a true medical emergency. If you notice numbness or weakness in the legs, loss of bladder control or loss of bowel control, a major nerve may be compressed through your herniated disc. This can cause serious and sometimes lasting health issues, and immediate medical attention is imperative. You will want to talk to your doctor about any of the herniated disc symptoms you have. Keep in mind that while some herniated discs are caused by trauma or injury to the spine or back, other factors including age can contribute to the condition. Your doctor may recommend various treatments that range from bed rest and over the counter pain medications to performing certain exercises, chiropractic treatment, heating pad applications, and possibly even surgery.


What is sequestered disc cephalad?

A sequestered disc cephalad refers to a herniated disc fragment that has broken off and moved upwards within the spinal canal. This can put pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing symptoms such as pain, weakness, or numbness. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the sequestered fragment.


What is C6-C7 herniation?

A herniated disc