The bones in your spine, called vertebrae, are separated and supported by small spongy discs. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, keeping your spine comfortable and flexible. If a disc is damaged, it can bulge out of shape (herniate) or even break open (rupture). A damaged disc may also be referred to as a slipped disc.
Symptoms
- numbness
- tingling
- sharp pain, which may feel like electric shock
- muscle weakness
- difficulty urinating or having bowel movements (see note below)
- numbess around your genitals (see note below)
The symptoms of herniated discs are caused by the disc material bulging out and pressing on nearby nerves. This pressure causes pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve. If the disc is not pressing on a nerve, you may have no symptoms at all, or you may experience a general backache.
A bulging disc in the lower back is likely to cause numbness and tingling in your buttocks and legs. This is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the lower back and is called sciatica. A herniated disc in your upper back is likely to cause symptoms in your neck, shoulders, or arms.
Note: If you are having bowel or bladder problems, they may be an indication of a serious medical condition called cauda equina syndrome. This can be caused by a herniated disc, and is a medical emergency. You should contact your doctor or go to a hospital immediately if you have difficulty urinating, having bowel movements, or have numbness around your genitals.
Diagnosis
Our doctors can diagnose a herniated disc by discussing your symptoms with you. A physical exam can test sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes. If a herniated disc is suspected, a magetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may be done to create an image of your spine and discs so we can pinpoint the damaged disc.
Discography is a diagnostic x-ray procedure that our doctors use to examine the discs in your spine. It can reveal rupture, bulges that signify herniation, as well as cracks in the skin of the disc that can lead to a rupture.
Risk Factors
- age: discs become less spongy and more rigid with age.
- smoking: smoking decreases oxygen levels in the blood, depriving discs of nutrients and making them more prone to rupture.
- diabetes: as with smoking, diabetes decreases oxygen levels in the blood.
- weight: excess weight causes more stress on the discs.
- repetitive motion: pushing, pulling, lifting, and twisting in your everyday life causes strain on the discs and can lead to rupture.
- sedentary lifestyle: lack of exercise can cause unhealthy discs and increase chance of rupture.
Treatment
Most herniated discs will heal on their own. Until then, you can use over-the-counter medication to relieve the pain, as well as rest along with the application of ice and heat. Once you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, our doctor will advise you how long you are likely to experience symptoms. If you are still uncomfortable after that, you should return to discuss treatment options.
There are several minimally invasive treatments that our doctors can perform to relieve you of your pain. The pain caused by herniated and ruptured discs is a result of the pressure from the disc material. DISC Nucleoplasty, Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET), and percutaneous nucleoplasty all treat disc disorders by removing or reshaping disc material. Our doctors will advise you which of the treatments will be best for you.