Symptoms and Signs of Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc)

Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc) Symptoms

The nerves of the body exit the spine at each spinal level in the low back, mid back, and neck. A herniated disc can produce symptoms anywhere along the course of that nerve, though the injury and irritation of the nerve are at the spine itself. (This is known as referred pain, as the pain is "referred" from the source of the problem in the spine to the area supplied by the affected nerve.) A slipped disc can produce varying degrees of pain in the back or neck along with numbness or weakness in the corresponding organs, arms, or legs as follows:

• For slipped discs in the neck: Neck symptoms and other associated symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the shoulder, neck, arm, or hand. Symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck often increase or decrease with neck motion.
• For slipped discs in the lower back, back symptoms include
  • Pain down the back of each leg from the buttocks to the knee or beyond (this is called sciatica, as it affects the sciatic nerve)
  • Numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the buttocks, back, legs, or feet or all of these as in sciatica
  • Numbness and tingling around the anus or genitals
  • Pain with movement, straining, coughing, or doing leg raises
  • Difficulty controlling bowel movements or bladder function

Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc) Causes

Risk factors that lead to a slipped disc include aging with associated degeneration and loss of elasticity of the discs and supporting structures; injury from improper lifting, especially if accompanied by twisting or turning; and excessive strain forces associated with physical activities. Sudden forceful acute trauma is an uncommon cause of a slipped disc.