What is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine is composed of vertebrae; small individual bones that allow the spine to move fluidly without damaging the spinal cord. To support the vertebrae, humans also have intervertebral discs, which are softer circles of tissue that are located between vertebrae. These softer discs have a slightly harder exterior (to support the vertebrae) but after soft enough inside to not put pressure on the spine.

A herniated disc occurs when the softer inside part leaks through the harder exterior “shell” of the disc, which pushes against the spine or nerves. There are many causes of a herniated disc, and also many different symptoms.

What causes a Herniated Disc? 

There are a number of causes of a herniated disc, many of which are related to age and genetics. For many, disc degeneration is a problem – and Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) affects about 40 percent of the U.S. population over 40 years of age.

DDD and other disc-related conditions can also be genetic, meaning your discs can herniate more easily if someone in your family passed on those genes to you. However, other causes of a herniated disc are more common. These include:

• Heavy lifting
• Obesity
• Occupational hazards
• Rarely: fall, crash or impact to the spine

If you’re a weightlifter or are helping a friend move a couch, you may be at risk for a herniated disc if you don’t lift properly. In addition, people who are obese put stress on their lower back, which forces those discs to bear more pressure and wear down faster.

Finally, people who work repetitive, physical jobs that require lifting, pulling, pushing, twisting, bending, etc. are at greatest risk of herniated discs. Discs, when used too frequently, in the same way, don’t have time to recover and, therefore, weaken faster.

But how do you know it’s a herniated disc?

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Depending on the severity of the herniation and your particular health levels, a herniated disc can take many forms. Sometimes, you can even have one without knowing!

Some of the most common signs of a herniated disc, though, include:

• Pain down your leg. Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, which causes pressure on the nerves that go to your buttocks, thighs, lower legs and even your feet. The pain usually gets worse when standing or twisting.
• Pain in your arm. If you have a herniated disc in your neck, you may notice pain shooting down your arms or in your shoulder. Coughing and sneezing can make it worse.
• Tingling sensations. Because the discs push on your nerves when herniated, a sensation of tingling or pulsing is common.
• Numbness. When the nerves are totally blocked by your herniated disk, you may experience numbness, which can affect your gait and stability. It can also lead to weakened muscles, as their function is inhibited.

How are Herniated Discs Diagnosed?

To properly diagnose a herniated disc, you’ll need spinal imaging and an official diagnosis. Most of the time, herniated discs don’t require surgery; just rest. If you’re worried about a potential disc herniation, call your doctor to schedule an examination.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119