The spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae, stacked from the base of the skull to the pelvis. Between most of these bones sit rubbery discs that act as cushions. When one of these discs becomes damaged, it can place pressure on nearby nerves and lead to discomfort in the back, neck, arms, or legs. A herniated disc is one of the more common spinal conditions among adults; it may develop gradually or after a specific incident.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Each spinal disc has two main parts. The outer layer is made of tough tissue, and the inner portion has a softer, gel-like consistency. A herniated disc occurs when a portion of the inner material pushes through a tear or weak area in the outer layer. It is sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc. Herniated discs most often affect the lower back, also called the lumbar spine. They can also occur in the neck, or cervical spine.
Several factors may contribute to disc herniation. Discs naturally lose water content with age, and this can make them less flexible and more prone to tearing. Lifting heavy objects with improper form, as well as repetitive bending or twisting and sudden strain, may also play a role.
What Should You Expect?
Symptoms of a herniated disc vary based on the location of the affected disc and whether the displaced material presses on a nerve. Some people have a herniated disc that appears on imaging tests, but they may produce no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Pain in the lower back or neck
- Pain that travels into the buttocks, thigh, or calf
- Pain that extends into the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the areas served by the affected nerve
- Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
When a herniated disc in the lower back irritates the sciatic nerve, the resulting leg pain is called sciatica.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment for a herniated disc typically depends on the severity of symptoms, as well as the location of the disc. Providers typically begin with conservative, nonsurgical approaches, and initial care may involve modifying activities to avoid movements that aggravate pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can be suggested to help manage discomfort.
Physical therapy is another common option. A therapist will guide patients through specific exercises, and these can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine. For persistent pain, interventional pain management procedures may be appropriate. Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication near the irritated nerve roots and can help reduce pain and swelling. Surgery is usually reserved for cases in which symptoms do not respond to other treatments.
Seek Professional Pain Management Care
Pain management specialists focus on identifying the source of pain; they can develop treatment plans that combine medication, therapy, and minimally invasive procedures. Diagnosis often begins with a physical examination and a review of symptoms, and imaging tests may be used to confirm the location and extent of the herniation. If back or neck pain persists for more than a few weeks or interferes with your daily activities, a pain management provider can evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate course of care.
