Herniated Disc: Symptoms

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Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disc vary greatly depending on the position of the herniated disc and the size of the herniation.

If the herniated disc is:

• Not pressing on a nerve, you may have an ache in the low back or no symptoms at all.
• Pressing on a nerve, you may have pain, numbness, or weakness in the area of your body to which the nerve travels.
  • With herniation in the lower (lumbar) back, sciatica may develop. Sciatica is pain that travels through the buttocks and down a leg to the ankle or foot because of pressure on the sciatic nerve. Low back pain may accompany the leg pain.
  • With herniation in the upper part of the lumbar spine, near the ends of the lowest ribs, you may have pain in the front of the thigh.
  • With herniation in the neck (cervical spine), you may have pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or chest.

Leg pain caused by a herniated disc:

• Usually occurs in only one leg.
• May start suddenly or gradually.
• May be constant or may come and go (intermittent).
• May get worse ("shooting pain") when sneezing, coughing, or straining to pass stools.
• May be aggravated by sitting, prolonged standing, and bending or twisting movements.
• May be relieved by walking, lying down, and other positions that relax the spine and decrease pressure on the damaged disc.

Nerve-related symptoms caused by a herniated disc include:

• Tingling ("pins-and-needles" sensation) or numbness in one leg that can begin in the buttock or behind the knee and extend to the thigh, ankle, or foot.
• Weakness in certain muscles in one or both legs.
• Pain in the front of the thigh.
• Weakness in both legs and the loss of bladder and/or bowel control, which are symptoms of a specific and severe type of nerve root compression called cauda equina syndrome. This is a rare but serious problem, and a person with these symptoms should see a doctor immediately.

Other symptoms of a herniated disc include severe deep muscle pain and muscle spasms.

Last updated:	July 21, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC