Signs and Symptoms that May Indicate a Herniated Disc

Spinal health plays a major role in our overall well-being. Many conditions impact the spine, and one of the most common is known as a herniated disc. The spinal discs contain a soft center that is covered by a tougher exterior. When the soft internal tissues are forcibly pushed outward, they can press on nearby nerves and muscles, creating pain and numbness. But since these symptoms can indicate other health problems, it’s not always easy to tell if your symptoms indicate a herniated disc. 

Motus Integrative Health uses chiropractic techniques to relieve pain and symptoms associated with a herniated disc. If you have the following signs, be sure to call our team right away for a wellness evaluation.  

Symptoms

Back pain of all kinds can impact your everyday life. While minor aches are often attributed to strains that go away over the course of days to weeks, some people have chronic back issues that generate long-term pain and stiffness. Herniated discs are among the most common, and they present several hallmark symptoms you should be aware of. Typically, a herniated disc occurs in the lower back, although it can affect the neck, too, and they usually only affect one side. 

Pay attention to these symptoms: 

• Pain in Arms or Legs. When a herniated disc is located in the lower back, you may feel pain throughout the region, including your buttocks and even your thigh and calf. Pain can radiate downwards into the foot. For a herniated disc in the neck, the pain will most likely be worst in the shoulder and arm. The pain can shoot down the arm or leg when you move or cough. Patients often describe the pain as intense or burning. 

• Numbness or Tingling. In addition to pain, a herniated disc often causes numbness and tingling. This is one of the key symptoms that can differentiate this condition from other possibilities. The nerves are compressed by the tissues, so you can experience numbness in your hands or feet depending on the location of the herniated disc. 

• Weakness. Compressed nerves can weaken, leading to limited physical capabilities. For example, you may stumble when walking or have trouble holding things. 

Symptoms can come on quickly and linger for a long time. A herniated disc can worsen when you are sitting, bending or lifting a heavy object. Nerve pain is indicated by pain or numbness in the leg. 

In some cases, a herniated disc may cause no symptoms at all, and you won’t know until you’ve had imaging taken of your spine. If you do have symptoms, you will want to talk to a doctor or healthcare specialist about your condition so it can be treated. 

Contact Our Chiropractors to See How We Can Assist You

A herniated disc can impact your everyday life, so treatment is vital to your well-being. Motus Integrative Health treats herniated discs holistically. Contact our knowledgeable chiropractors today to discuss your symptoms. We are excited to help you along the healing journey.