Disc Herniation: Know Everything From Causes, Symptoms, To Treatment
Know Everything From Causes, Symptoms, To Treatment
Schedule your appointment todayA herniated disc can make even normal movements—bending, walking, or sitting—painful and difficult. Over time, chronic pain and stiffness may take a toll on both your mental and physical well-being, making it harder to stay active and enjoy life.
Research shows that about 2% of adults experience symptomatic disc herniation[1] every year, with the condition becoming more prevalent as you age. While some cases resolve with time, others can cause persistent pain and require medical attention. Recognizing the signs of a herniated disc early can help you manage discomfort and maintain your quality of life.
What Is A Disc Herniation?
The spine’s vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which cushion movement and absorb shock. Each disc has a tough exterior layer (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like interior (nucleus pulposus). When the outer layer weakens or tears, the inner material can push through, leading to disc herniation. Disc herniations most commonly occur in two areas:
- Lumbar disc herniation (lumbar disc disease)[2]: Occurs in the lower back, often compressing the L5 nerve root at L4-5. A far lateral or foraminal herniation may affect the root above.
- Cervical disc herniation: Develops in the neck and may put pressure on nerves that control movement and sensation in the hands, shoulders, and arms.
Key Signs And Symptoms Of A Herniated Disc
A herniated disc can cause different levels of discomfort. However, pain often worsens with movement, such as bending, twisting, or lifting. The location of the herniation determines which areas of the body are affected. Common signs of a herniated disc include:
Radiating Nerve Pain
Radiating nerve pain from compression or damage may cause tingling, weakness, or numbness in the limbs.
Read MorePain With Movement
Pain with movement may stem from joint, nerve, or muscle issues, making activity more difficult.
Read MoreLocalized Pain
Localized pain in one area may result from injury, inflammation, or nerve issues, impacting movement.
Read MoreNeck Pain
Neck pain can result from tension, disc problems, or nerve issues, often causing stiffness and radiating discomfort.
Read MoreChronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain may result from degeneration, nerve issues, or strain, impacting posture and mobility.
Read MoreButtock Pain
Buttock pain may result from sciatica, muscle strain, or joint issues, often limiting movement and comfort.
Read MoreLower Back Pain
Lower back pain may arise from strain, disc issues, or nerve compression, often limiting movement.
Read MoreChronic Leg Pain
Chronic leg pain may result from nerve, circulation, or joint issues, often affecting comfort and mobility.
Read MoreCrepitus
Crepitus is a grinding or popping in a joint, often linked to cartilage wear, arthritis, or instability.
Read MoreTingling And Numbness
Restricted range of motion may result from stiffness, inflammation, or damage, making movement difficult.
Read MoreMuscle Weakness
Muscle weakness may stem from nerve, muscle, or joint issues, making movement and activity more difficult.
Read MoreMuscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are sudden contractions from nerve issues, dehydration, or fatigue, causing pain and stiffness.
Read MoreLoss Of Sensation In The Upper Body
Loss of sensation in the upper body may signal nerve damage, affecting coordination and daily function.
Read MoreDifficulty Standing Or Walking
Difficulty standing or walking may result from muscle, joint, or nerve issues, affecting daily mobility.
Read MoreRestricted Range Of Motion
Difficulty moving the neck, back, or affected limbs due to pain or stiffness.
Read MoreLoss Of Balance
Loss of balance may stem from nerve, muscle, or vestibular issues, raising fall risk and affecting mobility.
Read MoreCommon Causes Of This Condition
A herniated disc can develop from everyday movements, aging, or sudden injuries. Certain habits and lifestyle factors may increase your risk, especially if they place repeated strain on your spine. Understanding these causes gives you the opportunity to protect your back and reduce the chances of developing this condition.
Age-Related Degeneration
As you age, the discs in your spine naturally lose water content and elasticity. This makes them less flexible and more prone to wear and tear. Over time, the disc’s outer layer becomes weaker, increasing the risk of herniation.
Degenerative changes often begin in your 30s and 40s, with many people experiencing some level of disc deterioration by age 50. While not everyone develops symptoms, weakened discs are more likely to bulge or rupture under pressure. Daily activities like bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting can contribute to these changes.
Improper Lifting And Posture
Lifting heavy objects the wrong way can strain your spine, increasing the risk of disc herniation. When you use your back muscles instead of your legs, the added pressure can cause discs to weaken or shift out of place. Twisting while lifting or carrying uneven loads can also contribute to injury.
Poor posture places constant stress on your spine. Slouching, hunching over a desk, or failing to support your lower back can accelerate disc wear and increase discomfort. Over time, these habits may lead to chronic back pain and mobility issues.
Repetitive Strain
Repeated movements that stress your spine can gradually wear down your discs, making them more vulnerable to herniation. Jobs or activities that require frequent twisting, bending, or heavy lifting put continuous pressure on your lower back. This strain can weaken the discs and increase the risk of injury over time.
Even low-impact tasks, such as prolonged sitting or standing in the same position, can contribute to disc degeneration. Poor ergonomics, such as using a non-supportive chair or working at an improperly positioned desk, may worsen spinal stress.
Physical Trauma Or Injury
A sudden impact or accident can place extreme force on your spine, leading to a herniated disc. Falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or direct blows to the back can cause discs to rupture or shift out of place. Even if the damage isn’t immediate, trauma can weaken the disc over time, making it more likely to herniate later.
High-impact activities that involve abrupt movements, such as lifting heavy weights incorrectly or twisting forcefully, can also contribute to disc injury. In some cases, trauma may lead to nerve compression, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
Excess Weight And A Sedentary Lifestyle
Carrying extra weight puts added pressure on your spine, increasing the risk of disc herniation. The lumbar spine bears most of the body’s weight, and excess pounds can accelerate disc degeneration. Over time, the increased strain weakens the discs, making them more prone to bulging or rupturing.
A sedentary lifestyle can further contribute to spinal issues. Lack of movement reduces blood flow to the discs, limiting their ability to stay strong and repair themselves. Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, places constant stress on the lower back and weakens core muscles, which are essential for spinal support.
Genetics And Family History
The risk of herniating a disc may be higher if you have a family history of spinal conditions. Genetics can influence disc structure, elasticity, and overall durability, making some people more prone to early disc degeneration or herniation. If spinal discs naturally weaken at a faster rate due to inherited traits, they become more vulnerable to injury, even with minimal strain.
While you can’t change your genetics, adopting healthy habits can help protect your spine. Maintaining good posture, engaging in regular exercise, and using proper lifting techniques can reduce stress on your discs and lower your risk of developing disc-related issues.
How Herniated Discs Are Diagnosed
A herniated disc shares symptoms with other spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or nerve compression disorders. Because of this, an accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the right treatment plan.
Physicians use a combination of the following techniques to confirm disc herniation and rule out other potential causes of pain and mobility issues.
- Physical exam: A physician checks for pain, muscle weakness, reflex changes, and signs of nerve compression. Range of motion and mobility tests help assess the affected area.
- Review of medical history: Past injuries, lifestyle factors, and existing conditions help determine possible causes and risk factors for disc herniation.
- Imaging techniques: MRI scans provide detailed images of the spine to confirm disc herniation. CT scans and X-rays may help assess bone structure and rule out other spinal conditions.
Potential Risks Of Untreated Herniated Discs
Ignoring a herniated disc can lead to worsening symptoms and long-term complications. As the disc continues to press on nearby nerves, nerve compression may increase, leading to more severe pain, weakness, or loss of sensation. Understanding the following potential risks can help you take action before permanent damage occurs.
Chronic Pain
If a herniated disc remains untreated, ongoing nerve compression can lead to chronic pain. What may start as mild discomfort can gradually worsen, making it difficult to sit, stand, or move without pain. Over time, persistent inflammation and nerve irritation can cause pain to spread beyond the affected area, impacting your back, neck, or limbs.
Permanent Nerve Damage
Leaving a herniated disc untreated can result in permanent nerve damage, especially if the disc continues to press on spinal nerves. As compression worsens, nerves lose their ability to send signals properly, leading to persistent numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Over time, untreated nerve compression may lead to muscle atrophy or loss of function.
Loss Of Bladder Or Bowel Control
A severely herniated disc in the lower spine can put extreme pressure on the nerves controlling bladder and bowel function. This condition, known as cauda equina syndrome, is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. If left untreated, nerve damage in this area can lead to loss of bladder or bowel control, making regulating urination or bowel movements difficult.
Decreased Mobility
A herniated disc can make movement increasingly difficult, especially if nerve compression leads to pain, weakness, or stiffness. Over time, simple activities like walking, bending, or standing for long periods may become more challenging. If the affected nerve controls leg or arm movement, loss of strength and coordination can further limit mobility.
Anxiety And Depression
Chronic pain, limited mobility, and daily discomfort can lead to frustration, stress, and feelings of hopelessness. As physical activities become harder, you may withdraw from social interactions, work, or hobbies, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. Pain-related sleep disturbances and discomfort can also affect mood, making it harder to cope with everyday challenges.
Stress From Physical Limitations
When pain and stiffness limit your ability to work, exercise, or complete routine activities, it can create a sense of helplessness. Over time, these restrictions may cause stress, irritability, and reduced quality of life. The uncertainty of when or if symptoms will improve can add to the emotional burden, making it harder to stay positive.
We provide evidence-based treatments for disc herniation.
A herniated disc can have a significant effect on your life, but with the right treatment, you can find relief and regain mobility. At Compass Pain and Wellness, treatment focuses on evidence-based solutions to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function. Even if your symptoms are mild or severe, a personalized, multidisciplinary approach can help you regain control of your health.
Treatment begins with conservative care and progresses to more advanced options when necessary. Whether you need physical therapy, interventional treatments, or advanced pain management options, we will help support your recovery. Don’t let a herniated disc limit your quality of life. Schedule a consultation today to explore treatment options and take the next step toward lasting relief.
Medication Therapy
Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.
Read MoreAcupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.
Read MoreChiropractic Care
Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.
Read MoreEpidural Steroid Injection
Epidural steroid injections reduce spinal inflammation to ease pain radiating from nerve compression or irritation.
Read MoreMassage
Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.
Read MoreMindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.
Read MoreNerve Block
Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.
Read MorePeripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to disrupt chronic pain from damaged peripheral nerves.
Read MorePhysical Therapy
Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.
Read MoreSpinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical pulses to block nerve pain and reduce discomfort in the back or limbs.
Read MoreTrigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections treat muscle knots by relaxing tense tissue and relieving localized pain or stiffness.
Read MoreHerniated Discs Resulting From Traumatic Injuries
While herniated discs often develop gradually due to wear and tear, certain injuries can accelerate the process or directly cause disc damage. Sudden trauma can place excessive force on the spine, causing a disc to rupture or shift out of place. The severity depends on the nature of the injury, the amount of force applied, and the area of the spine that is affected.
The following are some of the different types of injuries that can cause herniated discs:
- Whiplash after a car accident: A rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck can put excessive strain on cervical discs, increasing the risk of herniation.
- Back injury from a car accident: The impact from a collision can compress the spine, leading to disc damage in the lumbar or thoracic regions.
- Neck injury after a car accident: Sudden trauma to the neck can weaken or rupture cervical discs, causing pain, stiffness, and nerve compression.
- Spinal cord injury from a car accident: Severe impact can damage both the spinal cord and surrounding discs, potentially leading to long-term mobility issues.
- Neck sprain from a car accident: Ligament damage in the neck can destabilize the spine, increasing the risk of disc herniation over time.
Our Providers
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Get in touch with Compass Pain today and find out how we can help with our personalized solutions for your disc herniation pain.
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