Back and neck pain can have many causes, and it isn’t always easy to know what’s behind your symptoms. A herniated disc is one possible cause and can lead to anything from pain to numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg. The location of the problem and whether it affects a nearby nerve can make a big difference in how it feels.
Herniated discs are relatively common, particularly in the lower back. About one to three percent of people develop symptoms related to the condition.
So how can you tell if your symptoms are from a herniated disc? Here’s what to know about the signs, who is most at risk, treatment and when it’s important to seek medical care.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. Between each of these bones is a disc that acts like a cushion, helping absorb shock and allowing your spine to bend and move. Each disc has a tough outer layer surrounding a softer, gel-like center.
Think of a disc like a jelly-filled cushion. When the outer layer becomes weak or develops a tear, some of the soft inner material can push through. This is called a herniated disc.
Slipped Disc
You may also hear the term slipped disc. This is a common term for a herniated disc, but the disc does not actually slip out of place.
Bulging Disc
A bulging disc is different. Instead of tearing, the disc’s outer layer stretches and pushes outward, creating a bulge beyond its normal shape. The outer layer generally remains intact.
Treatment for a bulging or herniated disc is often similar but depends on the symptoms and whether a nearby nerve is affected.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
Symptoms depend on where the disc is located and whether it is irritating or pressing on a nearby nerve.
Common symptoms include:
- Back or neck pain
- Pain that travels into the buttock, hip and leg, or shoulder and arm
- Tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
You may feel symptoms in an area away from the affected disc. This happens when the disc irritates a nerve that travels to another part of the body.
Herniated Lumbar Disc Symptoms (Lower Back)
A herniated lumbar disc can cause pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. When a nerve in the lower back is affected, this pattern of pain is often called sciatica.
The pain may feel sharp, burning or aching. It can sometimes become worse with sitting, coughing or sneezing.
Herniated Disc in the Neck
A herniated disc in the neck may cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand. Some people describe the pain as an electric or shooting sensation.
One important thing to remember: You usually don’t feel the disc itself. The symptoms come from irritation or pressure on nearby nerves.
Who Is at Risk for a Herniated Disc?
The condition can happen to anyone, but it is most common in adults between ages 30 and 50. It also occurs more often in men than women.
Factors that may increase your risk include:
- Age. As you get older, discs naturally become less flexible and more prone to tears over time.
- Frequently lifting, bending or twisting. Repeated stress on the spine can increase the risk of a disc problem.
- Physically demanding work or strenuous activities. Jobs or activities that place repeated stress on the spine may increase your risk.
- Smoking. Smoking is associated with a higher risk of lumbar disc herniation.
- Carrying extra weight. Higher body weight can place additional stress on the spine.
A herniated disc does not always result from one specific injury or activity. In many cases, changes in the disc develop gradually over time.
What Can Be Mistaken for a Herniated Disc?
Back, neck, arm or leg pain can have many causes. Conditions that can cause similar symptoms include:
- Muscle strain
- Arthritis
- Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spaces in the spine
- Sciatica from other causes
- Other problems affecting the nerves or spine
Because symptoms can overlap, you can’t reliably tell whether you have a herniated disc just by how you feel. A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether further testing is needed.
How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
A physician will usually ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may check your:
- Range of motion
- Reflexes
- Sensation
- Muscle strength
Sometimes, imaging is needed. An MRI can provide detailed images of the discs and nerves in your spine. Your provider may recommend an MRI if your symptoms are severe, don’t improve or suggest a more serious problem.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you have back or neck pain that continues or gets worse, especially if you also have numbness, tingling or weakness.
Who Should You See for a Herniated Disc?
You can start with your primary care provider, who can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you need to see a spine specialist. Depending on your symptoms and treatment needs, you may be referred to a neurosurgeon, physiatrist or orthopedic spine specialist. Physical therapists can also help with exercises and recovery.
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Seek emergency care if you have:
- New or worsening weakness in your legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around your inner thighs, buttocks or genital area
- Severe symptoms after a major injury, such as a car accident or serious fall
These symptoms can be signs of serious nerve compression and should not be ignored.
How Is a Herniated Disc Treated?
Many people improve without surgery. Treatment may include:
- Staying gently active as tolerated
- Physical therapy and specific exercises
- Pain-relieving medicines when appropriate
- Changing activities that make symptoms worse
- Other treatments recommended by your healthcare provider
Long periods of bed rest are usually not recommended. Gentle movement can help you stay active while your symptoms improve.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be recommended when pain or other symptoms continue despite treatment, or when the herniated disc is causing significant nerve compression or weakness.
Common surgical options include:
- Discectomy: Removes the portion of the disc that is pressing on a nerve. This is one of the most common surgeries for a herniated disc.
- Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive form of discectomy that uses a small incision and specialized instruments to remove the affected disc material.
- Spinal fusion: In some cases, the affected disc is removed and the nearby vertebrae are joined together to stabilize the spine. This is generally considered when there is also spinal instability or another condition requiring stabilization.
The exact procedure depends on the location of the herniated disc, the symptoms it is causing and your overall spine health.
Herniated Disc FAQs
How long does a herniated disc take to heal?
Many people begin to feel better within several weeks. Recovery can take longer depending on the location and severity of the herniated disc.
Does walking help a herniated or bulging disc?
Gentle activity, including walking, may help you stay mobile. Avoid activities that clearly make your symptoms worse. A physical therapist can recommend exercises that are appropriate for you.
What should you avoid with a herniated disc?
Avoid activities that significantly increase your pain, particularly heavy lifting or repeated bending and twisting. Your doctor or physical therapist can tell you which activities are safe.
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
Often, symptoms improve over time without surgery. In some cases, the body can gradually break down and absorb the herniated disc material. Recovery time varies depending on the location and severity of the herniated disc and whether a nerve is affected.
Herniated disc symptoms can vary widely, and not all back, neck, arm or leg pain is caused by the condition. If you’re dealing with ongoing or bothersome symptoms, getting the right answers and treatment can help you feel better and get back to the activities you enjoy sooner.
At the Stony Brook Spine Institute, our multidisciplinary team of experts works together to provide seamless, patient-centered care for both children and adults. We’re committed to delivering advanced, personalized treatment through a collaborative approach that brings together specialists from across the institution, including neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management and physiatry.
