30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”
- A herniated disc refers to the soft, inner component of the vertebrae pushing through its tough exterior, irritating nearby nerves.
- Some herniated discs show little-to-no signs or symptoms in patients, while others are very apparent.
- The pain management physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discuss what are the causes and symptoms of a herniated disc.
Spinal discs are similar to a jelly, or crème-filled donut: they are made of a soft, rubbery center with a tough exterior. When a herniated disc occurs, also referred to as a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc, the softer inside is pushed through cracks of the tougher exterior, which can irritate nerves in the spine. Some patients may need surgery to correct the problem, while others may need treatment to mask some of the symptoms.
Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of a herniated disc:
- Arm or leg pain that feel most intense in your buttocks, thighs and calves.
- Pain that radiates downward or upward to involve part of the feet, shoulders or neck.
- Shooting pains that occur shortly after sneezing or moving into different positions.
- Numbness or tingling in parts of the area where nerves have been affected most.
- Weakness, which may impair your ability to move, hold items, lift relatively light objects, etc.
Some patients exhibit little or no signs of a herniated disc and may find out they have one after undergoing diagnostic testing. Individuals with symptoms of a herniated disc should seek the medical guidance and advice of a trained pain management physician, like the ones at Southwest Spine and Pain Center.
The team evaluates patients thoroughly and may recommend a minimally invasive spine stabilization procedure if the herniation has resulted in fractures or interventional treatment options (i.e. injections, pain medication, nerve blocks, etc.). Call today to learn more about treatment for pain associated with a herniated disc.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With five locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.