What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc refers to damage to the soft, rubbery cushions in your spine called intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers in your spine.

Each disc has a soft, jelly-like inner portion surrounded by a thicker outer layer. If this outer layer gets damaged, the inner layer can push through the damaged portion and extend into the spinal cord, where it may irritate or compress nearby nerves. When a herniated disc irritates nearby nerves, it can cause herniated disc pain, including sharp or shooting pain that travels into the arms or legs.

Herniated discs are common in the lumbar and cervical spine. You may also hear a herniated disc described as a slipped or ruptured disc. These terms generally refer to the same condition. A bulging disc is a similar condition, but the outer ring does not tear.

What Are the Causes of a Herniated Disc?

The most common cause of a slipped disc is age-related disc degeneration, referring to wear and tear over time. Common risk factors associated with a herniated disc include the following:

• Age: As you get older, the disc becomes less flexible and can tear more easily.
• Repetitive physical stress: If your work involves physical activity, it can increase the wear and tear.
• Heavy lifting or improper lifting: Using your back instead of your legs to lift can cause the disc to herniate.
• Poor posture: Sitting for long periods with poor posture can strain your back.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Staying active can help protect your spine.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can add extra pressure on your spine.
• Smoking: Smoking can reduce the blood supply to the discs, causing them to break down faster.
• Sudden trauma: In rare cases, trauma, such as a fall, can cause the disc to rupture

What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on where the herniation occurs and whether it impinges on a nerve. Lumbar disc herniation may cause leg pain, tingling, or weakness. If the herniated disc occurs in your cervical spine, then you may experience symptoms in your arms.

In general, herniated discs can cause the following symptoms:

• Sharp or shooting pain
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty with certain movements

When to See a Doctor for Sharp Spine Pain

Persistent, worsening, or severe back pain requires attention from a healthcare provider. This is even more important if your back pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in one of your limbs.

It is also important to seek immediate medical care if you have difficulties walking, moving, or standing up, or if the back pain follows an injury such as a fall or car accident.

Severe nerve damage from a herniated disc can cause symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control. This could indicate cauda equina syndrome and is considered a medical emergency.

How is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin by considering your medical history and discussing your symptoms. During a physical examination, they will evaluate your pain, movement, sensation, and muscle strength. Imaging tests can help identify the affected disc and determine whether nearby nerves in the affected area are involved.

How is a Herniated Disc Treated?

Most people with a herniated disc will recover within 2 to 12 weeks. Treatment options can help relieve symptoms and aid in recovery. Treatment may include the following:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of nonsurgical treatment. The physical therapist will give you exercises to improve movement, support your spine, and restore muscle strength.

Spinal Injections

Spinal injections are another nonsurgical option when pain continues despite initial conservative treatment. These may include epidural steroid injections. These injections reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve and relieve pain.

Spine Surgery

While most herniated discs can be treated with non-surgical treatments, surgery may be needed in some cases. This may be the case when neurological symptoms persist or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief.

The most common type of surgery for a herniated disc is called a microdiscectomy. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove part or all of the disc.

Seek Pain Relief Today!

If you have sharp, shooting pain in your back that radiates into your limbs, then schedule an evaluation with one of our orthopedic spine specialists at OrthoNeuro. Our team can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment to provide relief. Schedule your appointment at one of our locations in Columbus, Ohio.