Herniated Disc Symptoms

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By: Ehren Allen, DPT, COMT

What is a Herniated Disc in the Spine?

The quick answer is a herniated disc is an injury to the disc in the spine. These discs are located between each individual bone, known as vertebrae, in the spine. They are most common in the low back (lumbar) and neck (cervical), but can also occur in the upper to mid back (thoracic). 

The disc is similar to a jelly donut, with a soft, gel-like center and a tougher exterior. A herniated disc occurs when the soft center protrudes through a tear in the tough exterior part of the disc. Herniated disc symptoms can vary from almost no pain to severe, debilitating pain.

What are Herniated Disc Symptoms?

There are numerous herniated disc symptoms Herniated Disc Symptoms
which may include the following:

• Pain in the low back. This is caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. This pain can radiate into the buttocks, legs, and feet. It can also occur when you cough, sneeze or rotate the spine into certain positions.
• Pain in the arms. This is caused by a herniated disc in the cervical spine.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Muscular weakness or spasms. This may cause you to stumble or decrease your ability to lift and carry items.
• Stiffness in the neck or low back.

Another symptom of a herniated disc is sciatica. Sciatica is when pain radiates down 1 or both of the legs.  There may also be causes pain, numbness, tingling and burning.. The sciatic nerve is made up of nerves that branch from the low back.  It travels through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc. This is usually due to inflammation in the back of the disk.  Sometimes it is difficult to find the origin.  Often patients complain of lower back and hip pain.  

If you would like to learn more about Herniated Disks, this video may help. 

Is a Bulging Disc Common?

Disc issues are actually very common in the low back.  Approximately 80% of people will have Low back pain from a disk issue at some point in their life.  Herniated disc symptoms can happen suddenly or over time due to repetitive stress and poor posture. The discs tend to become more rigid over time, which causes them to become less flexible. This can make the disc more susceptible to tears or a rupture. Sometimes, improperly lifting a heavy object and twisting can lead to a herniated disc. Other risk factors include excess body weight, genetics, and having a physically demanding job.

If you are experiencing any of the following herniated disc symptoms, it is highly recommended to seek medical attention:

• Increased or worsening symptoms. An increase of pain or numbness can start to negatively affect your daily activities.
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the inner thighs, back of the legs or around the rectum.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.

What is the Home Remedy for Herniated Disc Symptoms?

herniated disc in the spine

To decrease the risk of a herniated disc or to control herniated disc symptoms, there are a few things you can do:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put more pressure on the spine and discs.
• Make sure to properly lift heavy objects. Use your legs and brace your abdominal muscles to lift.
• Maintain good posture, especially while sitting for long periods of time. This will help to reduce the pressure on your spine and discs.

Physical therapy and exercise is also important to strengthen the abdominal and trunk muscles. These muscles help to stabilize the spine. A physical therapist can help show you exercises to minimize herniated disc symptoms. They may utilize the following:

Image of a woman doing double knee to chest exercise

• Core stabilization exercises to teach you how to control your abdominal and trunk muscles to reduce the risk of injury or increasing your symptoms in your low back during certain movements.
• McKenzie Exercises are a common treatment for Herniated Discs.  A therapist should be consulted to determine if they are appropriate for you. 
• Stretching may also be used to reduce muscular tightness and spasms.
• Spinal traction is a form of stretching the spine. It can be performed manually by a physical therapist, or mechanically by a machine. This may help relieve symptoms from a herniated disc. It can be done on the cervical or lumbar spine.
• Medical Laser Therapy may also be used to treat herniated disc symptoms. It works by flooding the tissue with photons, which energize cells within the injured tissue, to begin the healing process.

If you have symptoms of a Herniated Disc, the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute is here to help!  Often we are asked in PT, “what are back doctors called?”.  JOI Spine Specialists are referred to as Orthopedic Spine Physicians.  Our Spine team is made up of spine doctors and therapists who have one goal…. helping you! 

Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.