Herniated Disc and Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disc are often gradual with repetitive strain. Chronic back pain and back weakness is an early warning sign that you are more susceptible to injury. Everyday movements from bending over to pick up a pen or lifting a heavy box may be the final straw. In general wear and tear comes from improper lifting and too much sitting. It is important to lift using the legs with a straight back rather than bending at the waist, as this is often the cause of a lumbar herniation. A sudden trauma from a fall or accident can also lead to a ruptured disc.

As the pain is typically referred, the patient does not always feel the pain from where it originated in the neck or the back.

Cervical Disc Herniation Symptoms

Cervical Disc Herniation Symptoms:

• Tingling or Numbness in the arms or the hands (or pins and needles)
• Pain can radiate from the back of the skull down the neck to the upper back, chest, shoulder, arms, or hands
• Weakness can occur in the arm or hand muscles

Lumbar Disc Herniation Symptoms

Lumbar Disc Herniation Symptoms:

• Tingling or Numbness in the lower back and down to the foot and/or toes (pins and needles)
• Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and into the legs
• Weakness or loss of reflexes in one or both legs
• Burning in the low back or the hips and legs

A word of caution, if you have a loss of bladder or bowel control seek immediate attention. This is a possible sign of a serious problem called Cauda Equina Syndrome.