What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on where on the spine the disc herniation occurs and whether or not nerve tissue is being irritated. A disc herniation may not cause any symptoms. However, disc herniation can cause pain where the spine was injured. If the disc herniation is large enough, the disc tissue can press on the adjacent spinal nerves that exit the spine at the level of the disc herniation. This can cause shooting pain in the distribution of that nerve and usually occurs on one side of the body.

•    Tingling and Numbness in Fingers, Toes, or Other
    
•    Patients often have abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles in the fingers, toes, or other areas. These symptoms may be experienced in the same region as painful electric shock sensations.

•    Muscle Weakness
    
•    Because of the nerve irritation, signals from the brain may be interrupted causing muscle weakness. Nerve irritation can also be tested by examining reflexes.
    
•    Bowel or Bladder Problems (This is a medical emergency)
These symptoms are important because it may be a sign of Cauda Equine Syndrome, a possible condition resulting from a herniated disc. This is a medical emergency and you should see your doctor immediately if you have problems urinating, having bowel movements, or if you have numbness around your genitals.

Other Questions:

What is a Herniated Disc?

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

How is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?

How Do You Treat a Herniated Disc?