Herniated disc

A herniated disc happens when one of the discs between your vertebrae (the bones that form your spine) squishes out through a tear in the outer layer.

The herniated disc can then press against the nerve roots in your spine, which can cause herniated disc symptoms such as neck, arm, back or leg pain.

Typically, wear and tear on the outer layer of the disc causes a herniated disc. Sometimes, though, an injury can cause a disc herniation.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is also known as a ruptured disc in the back. Most people experience herniated disc symptoms in the lower back (sciatica), which causes pain and numbness in the buttock and leg.

A herniated disc often occurs in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine. These types of herniated disks are referred to as a lumbar herniated disc or cervical herniated disc, respectively.

Causes & risk factors for a herniated disc

Normal wear and tear of the discs happens as you get older. However, certain lifestyle factors also play a contributing role in disc herniation.

Poor posture while you’re sitting, walking or lifting can contribute to a herniated disc and make symptoms worse. Jobs that involve frequent lifting put people at higher risk for back injury and disc herniation.

Obesity puts strain on the discs in your lower back and causes them to herniate, which may lead to disc herniation.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

A herniated disc doesn’t always cause pain. However, if a ruptured disc in the lower back or neck presses on your spinal nerves, you may experience herniated disc symptoms, such as:

Lumbar disc herniation symptoms

• Numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation
• Muscle weakness or spasms
• Intermittent or continuous pain, often on one side of your body
• Sciatica pain, which is lower back pain that travels down to your buttock, leg and foot
• Decreased reflexes in your knee or ankle
• While rare, loss of bladder or bowel control

Herniated disc symptoms in the neck

• Headaches
• Worsening pain when you bend or turn your neck
• Sharp neck pain that sometimes travels to your shoulder, arms, hands and fingers
• Tingling, numbness or muscle weakness in your neck or arms

Diagnosing a herniated disc

Your provider will begin by asking about your possible herniated disc symptoms and medical history. Next, they’ll perform a physical exam to check for tenderness in the neck and back.

They’ll also check your reflexes, muscle strength, walking ability and reactions to light touches, pin pricks or vibration.

Your provider may also order diagnostic tests to confirm your diagnosis including:

• Straight-leg raise test: Your provider will raise your leg while you lie on your back. This method helps determine the location of the pain.
• X-ray: This test helps rule out other underlying conditions.
• Imaging scans: A CT or MRI scan can pinpoint the precise location of the herniated disc.
• Electromyography (EMG): Using small needles, this test measures activity in your muscles and determines if the herniated disc is affecting nerve roots.
• Myelogram: After injecting a dye into your spine, a CT scan is done to identify the location and size of the herniated disc.

Do herniated discs heal on their own?

Herniated discs can sometimes heal on their own, but it depends on various factors such as the severity of the herniation, your overall health and lifestyle habits.

In many cases, the symptoms associated with a herniated disc can improve over time with conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications and medications for pain and inflammation.

However, not all herniated discs will heal completely on their own. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms or if there is abnormal nerve function.

If a herniated disc goes untreated, several complications could occur including nerve damage, loss of mobility or sciatica. These complications depend on the severity of the herniations and other individual factors.

Comprehensive herniated disc treatment

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your provider will discuss your herniated disc treatment options with you. They’ll try nonsurgical herniated disc treatment first to relieve back pain and restore your function.

Nonsurgical treatments may include:

• Over-the-counter pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can relieve your pain and reduce inflammation of the herniated disc.
• Physical therapy: A customized physical therapy plan can strengthen the muscles around your spine and improve your flexibility, which can help prevent further damage.
• Chiropractic care: A customized chiropractic plan can help you feel better and get back to your daily routine.
• Injections for joint pain: Anti-inflammatory medications that are injected into the spine can control back pain and reduce swelling.

If nonsurgical herniated disc treatments don’t provide enough relief for your ruptured disc in your neck or back, your provider will discuss surgery options. Herniated disc surgery may be a good option if you have progressive nerve damage. Learn more about your spine surgery options at Aurora.