Herniated disc symptoms and causes

An ache in the side of your back. A tingling sensation in your arms. A leg that feels weaker than it usually does. Any feeling that something is off in your body can cause a wave of concern – especially when it comes to your neck or back.

These symptoms can sometimes be caused by a herniated disc, which some people may call a slipped disc or a ruptured disc. A herniated disc happens when one of the discs that cushion the bones in your spine shifts or changes, sometimes pressing against the surrounding nerves. This common back condition can be painful for some people but also very treatable, often naturally at home.

Read on to learn what a herniated disc is, how it may contribute to back pain and what symptoms to watch for. We’ll also let you know when to seek spine care from a specialist for your symptoms.

What is a herniated disc?

Your spinal column is made up of strong bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae support your trunk while protecting your spinal cord and the nerves that branch from it. To keep your spine flexible, these vertebrae are separated by discs. Each disc is made of very durable and dense tissue, acting as a cushion and shock absorber for each vertebra and your spine as a whole.

These discs play an important role to support and control your back and neck, helping you to move comfortably. And just like other parts of your body, they can change over time, which may include disc degeneration, bulging discs and disc herniations.

Is a herniated disc a serious condition? Rarely.

While disc changes can lead to low back pain and leg pain for some people, most people with disc herniations, bulges or degeneration don’t experience pain. In fact, depending on the study, 30-84% of people without low back pain were found to have these changes in their discs.

Also, these conditions are rarely serious and can be managed well with treatments, including home exercise programs, physical therapy and medications.

Risk factors for herniated discs

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances for disc-related changes. A good amount of these develop over time from unhealthy habits. But with a few improvements to your health, you can help lower the risk of developing a herniated disc. Factors that may increase your risk of developing disc-related issues including:

• Being between the ages of 30 and 50
• Male or assigned male at birth
• Being overweight
• Smoking tobacco or vaping (nicotine and other toxins can block important nutrients from getting to your body’s tissues)
• Having a job with heavy physical demands
• Having a history of previous back injuries or surgeries
• Chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety

Herniated disc symptoms to watch for

While many people don’t experience any uncomfortable herniated disc symptoms, pain is the most common way that your body signals that there may be an issue. The location of the pain can give you an idea of where the problem is. Pain in your lower back, hips, butt and thighs may point to a lower back condition. If you feel pain in your neck, arms or between your shoulder blades, the issue is more likely a neck or upper back condition.

Since herniated discs can occasionally place pressure on the nerves in and around your spine, you may also feel sensations in the places on your body connected to those nerves. For example, pressure on your sciatic nerve can result in lower back, butt and leg pain. In addition to pain, you may feel numbness or tingling in your back, hips, butt, arms, legs and other extremities. Muscles in these affected parts of your body can also feel weaker as a result.

How the pain shows up can also be a telltale sign of a herniated disc. Increased pain when coughing, sneezing, laughing or making abrupt motions may be a sign of a herniated disc. The pain can also feel like it’s traveling down your shoulders and either into your arms and fingers, or down your thighs and into your calves and feet.

Again, it’s important to know that these symptoms are treatable, and you’re very likely to recover without any invasive medical treatments.

Emergency herniated disc symptoms, including extreme pain

For some people, disc-related changes can be painful and uncomfortable. The good news is that it’s common and rarely a cause for concern. With help from your physical therapist, you’ll likely recover naturally within a few weeks. Exercises, home care and over-the-counter medicines will most likely be part of the plan you create with your care team.

However, there are symptoms that you should watch for in case something more serious needs urgent attention.

Call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately if:

• Have a fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C) with back pain
• Can’t urinate
• Can’t control bowel movements
• Have weakness in both arms or legs

Otherwise, call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Back pain that does not improve or that worsens over six weeks
• Weight loss for no known reason
• New weakness in one or both legs or feet
• New weakness in one or both arms and hands
• Numbness that doesn’t improve

When to see a physical therapist for a herniated disc

If you suspect that your recent back pain symptoms – along with tingling, numbness or weakness – are signs of a herniated disc, it’s time to speak with a physical therapist.

At TRIA, you don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists. We make getting the care you need as simple and affordable as possible. We’ll connect you with physical therapists who are experts in treating spine conditions so you can start treatment, and recovery, as quickly as possible.