Herniated Disc

A herniation describes an abnormal condition of an intervertebral disc.  Some refer to this condition as a "slipped", "ruptured" or "blown" disc. Most of the time it is not known what caused the disc to herniate, but it is thought to occur from repetitive stress due to occupation, poor spinal posture and/or natural processes of aging and/or trauma.

 

A herniation begins when the inner nucleus pulposus bulges through the annulus fibrosis causing a bulging or protruding disc. This bulge may push on a spinal nerve. This interferes with the natural blood supply to the nerve roots and sets up a condition known as intraneural edema. Basically, the nerve root microcirculation is compressed and can progress to the point where the nucleus begins to leak out of the disc. At this point the body begins to fight back by launching an autoimmune response to the disc material (nucleus pulposus). The reaction of this defense mechanism causes severe inflammation and progressive deterioration of the nerve root.

 

If the herniation is located in the cervical spine (neck), the symptoms can range from neck pain, with or without arm pain, to numbness and tingling. Muscle weakness can be common as well. If the herniated disc is located in the lumbar spine (low back), the symptoms can range from low back pain, with or without leg pain, to numbness and tingling. Muscle weakness is also common. This type of pain and/or numbness in the legs or arms is referred to as a "radiculopathy". This happens because the nerves that exit your spinal cord innervate ("attach to") the skin in your arms and legs. They are responsible for sensation and for movement of the muscles in your arms and legs. They are also responsible for the reflexive movements as well. This is the reason some individuals with these conditions experience extremity (leg/arm) pain / numbness / tingling and/or weakness when they have a herniated or bulging disc. Be aware that some individuals with herniated discs may report arm or leg pain only with minimal neck or low back pain.

Herniated Disc - Spinal Decompression

Problems Associated with Herniated Discs

Leg Pain/Sciatica

This pain is most commonly experienced at the outside of the thigh, the lower leg and/or the foot. Shooting pain that radiates down the leg is a common experience with herniated discs. Patients commonly report an electric shock type of symptom.

 

Parasthesias 

This is the medical word for abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, weakness or "pins and needles". These symptoms may be the result of a herniated disc and may be experienced in the same regions as painful sensations.

 

Muscle Weakness

Signals from the brain may be interrupted due to nerve irritation. This can cause muscle weakness, usually of the leg or calf. Nerve irritation can be tested by examining the reflexes of the knee and ankle.

 

Bowel or Bladder Problems

These symptoms are important because they may be a sign of Cauda Equina Syndrome. This condition is possibly caused by a herniated disc. This is a medical emergency! You must see a medical doctor immediately if you have problems urinating, having bowel movements or if you have numbness around your genitals. All of these symptoms are likely caused by irritation to one of the nerves as a result from a herniated disc.