Signs You Have a Herniated Disc

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for Americans to seek medical treatment, with lower back pain being particularly common. Often times, back pain is acute and the result of temporary damage to the muscles or ligaments of the back. When pain is chronic or accompanied by other symptoms, however, a herniated disc may be the culprit. Herniated discs are especially common among people in middle age, when the discs begin to lose fluid but people tend to still be fairly active.

Some people have a herniated disc without ever experiencing any symptoms; other people experience issues so severe that they can no longer work. Only a doctor can tell you whether or not you have a herniated disc, but knowing the symptoms can help you determine when to seek medical attention for your back pain.

Symptoms

Herniated disc symptoms are usually consistent over a period of several weeks or months, depending on when you seek treatment. The symptoms may be distinguished from sprains and strains because the symptoms are neurological, rather than physical, in origin - a herniated disc causes pain by pressing against the spinal cord or the spinal roots. Symptoms include:

• Pain in the back
  
• Pain in the leg, buttocks, or arm
  
• Sciatica
  
• Pain that gets worse when bending or coughing
  
• Muscle weakness in the leg or arm
  
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
  

The exact symptoms will depend in part on where the herniated disc is located; the symptoms will manifest in the area of the body that the affected nerves innervate. The nerves of the neck innervate the arms, so a cervical herniated disc may cause symptoms in the neck or arms; the thoracic spine innervates the torso, so symptoms may occur anywhere in that area; the lumbar spine innervates the pelvic region and legs, and pain may be experienced in those areas. The lumbar spine is the most common location for herniated discs.

Some people may feel sudden pain after a specific event, such as lifting or an accident. Other times, the onset is more slow, with pain slowly increasing over time; this is more common when the herniation occurs from simple aging. 

Diagnosis

Herniated disc symptoms are indistinguishable from other causes of pinched nerves without further diagnostic testing, although herniated discs are more common than other conditions. Stenosis, bone spurs, and arthritis can all cause similar symptoms. Rarely, serious conditions such as tumors can press on the spinal cord and cause pinched nerves. In addition, sudden and severe pain in the upper back may be a symptom of cardiac arrest. For these reasons, full testing is required to determine whether or not a disc has herniated.

At your appointment, your physician will take your vital signs to help rule out immediate, systemic issues. Then, he or she will take a full account of your symptoms. Your medical history will be taken into account during treatment and diagnosis. Finally, diagnostic testing will be performed, including selective injection of anesthesia and MRI. 

Next Steps

Herniated discs are highly treatable. The majority of patients report that their symptoms are alleviated within several months of their onset. Depending on the severity of the issue, several treatments may be attempted:

• Rest
  
• Physical therapy 
  
• Chiropractic treatment
  
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  
• Epidural steroid injections
  
• Surgery
  

Generally, the least invasive treatments will be tried first, while more invasive treatments will only be attempted if symptoms do not resolve otherwise. In general, patients who are experiencing severe pain or neurological issues are stronger candidates for surgery.

To schedule a consultation about your back pain, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.