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Could you possibly have a herniated disc in your spine, a potential cause of back pain? Read more to learn key signs and symptoms of a herniated spinal disc, and what you can do if you think you have this medical issue.
Your spine, from the top of your neck to your tailbone at the bottom of your lower back, relies on cushioning discs made of cartilage for painless flexibility and full range of motion. But, a lot of factors can put pressure on your spinal discs, resulting in wear-and-tear, damage, and dislocation.
The spinal discs that space out the vertebral bones of your spine can rupture a disc’s outer layer, bursting and leaking its softer, gel-like inner core into your spinal canal space. This is known as disc herniation. A herniated disc can cause intense back pain, as well as long-term issues limiting your quality of life.
Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Beejal Amin, MD, FAANS, treats new and existing patients with spinal problems from his offices in Oak Lawn, South Holland, and Orland Park, Illinois. If you see any of the following signs of a herniated disc, get in touch with Dr. Amin for evaluation and expert treatment.
1. Back pain
Your pain symptoms depend on the location of the affected damaged disc. If you have a herniated disc in your lower back, you may experience persistent back pain, or pain that seems to travel down your buttocks and legs.
2. Neck pain
If one of the discs in your cervical spine is herniated, you’re more likely to suffer from neck pain due to pressure on nerves in that part of your spinal canal as a result of disc misalignment. If you have a herniated disc in your upper spine or neck, you might also feel pain that radiates out into your arms.
3. Numbness
Herniated discs press on neighboring nerves, causing uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms. In addition to pain, you may find yourself dealing with atypical numbness as a result of a herniated disc. While you might prefer the numbness to being in pain, it can become quite uncomfortable as a symptom, and can impede your range of motion and full function.
4. Tingling
Nerve compression or pressure can also cause tingling sensations in affected areas, or pins-and-needles sensations like an arm or leg that has fallen asleep. This symptom can become distracting and intrusive over time, and needs to be addressed with a professional spinal evaluation.
5. Weakness
An untreated herniated disc may lead to unexpected physical weakness in affected areas, potentially including your limbs. Weakness increases your risk of falls and other harmful accidents, and can become a serious health problem if not addressed.
If these symptoms of a herniated disc are intruding on your daily life, contact Dr. Amin for your evaluation and diagnosis. Dr. Amin addresses herniated discs with a variety of treatment techniques, including surgery, yet always starts with the most conservative interventions that help you find relief.
Schedule your appointment at one of our three offices with Dr. Amin over the phone or book online today.