It is estimated that as many as 56% of U.S. adults suffer from a herniated disc. While the condition doesn't always cause symptoms, it can result in chronic pain and other symptoms in many areas of the body. A herniated disc occurs when the interior of the discs between the vertebrae rupture through their fibrous outer layer. Causes range from old age to injury, and people of any age can suffer from the condition.
The main problem with a herniated disc is that it may press against the nerves in the spine, causing either localized or widespread symptoms that can range from moderate to severe. In order to determine whether you have herniated disc, it's necessary to be aware of the symptoms.
Paresthesias
Paresthesias is a neurological phenomenon that causes feelings of tingling, pricking, or burning. Some people describe it as feeling like something is crawling on or under their skin. Paresthesias can be caused by a number of health issues, such as diabetic neuropathy and localized nerve injury. However, they are most commonly caused by a herniated disc. In some cases, the sensations may be highly disruptive, causing disturbed sleep, restlessness, and distraction from daily activities.
Lower Back Pain
As many as 31 million American adults suffer from lower back pain at any given time. While it can be associated with problems such as poor posture, improper lifting, and obesity, it may also be the only herniated disc symptom that you experience. When this happens, the bulging disc may be pressing against other tissues in the lumbar region.
Sciatica
Sciatica is the name given to pain that occurs in the hip, low back, and leg via the sciatic nerve. It may cause paresthesias of the leg as well as aching, weakness, and difficulty moving the limb. Sciatica can occur when a herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve. In most cases, symptoms show up only on one side of the body unless there is a serious degree of disc herniation.
Numbness
When the nerves leading from the spine are compressed by a bulging disc, there is a great possibility that a patient could experience numbness. This may occur in various parts of the body, such as the fingers, toes, and portions of the limbs, depending on which nerves are being compressed. Numbness, particularly in the hands and fingers, may interfere with the ability to write, type, and perform many other tasks. Some patients may also experience difficulty moving their fingers.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms can be triggered by a number of factors. These can include deficiency in magnesium, potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes; localized injury; inflammation; stress; food intolerances; and even allergies. However, a herniated disc may also be to blame when it compresses nerves. On their own, muscle spasms aren't typically enough to diagnose a herniated disc, but when they occur with other symptoms, doctors are more likely to make a positive diagnosis.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is rare, but it can result when a damaged disc compresses the spinal cord. Symptoms usually include loss of continence, weakness in the legs, and sometimes even paralysis. This condition is very serious. If you notice these symptoms, it's recommended to visit a doctor immediately.
