Symptoms of a herniated disc are back or neck pain that may radiate to the buttocks, thighs, legs, or arms, or a feeling of weakness or tingling in the arms or legs.
A herniated disc can happen in the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine and appears when a disc that makes up the spine and its gelatinous center ruptures, leaving the correct position, which ends up causing compression of nerves in the region, starting the symptoms.
To confirm the diagnosis of a herniated disc, the orthopedist observes the symptoms and may order tests such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to observe which region of the spine is affected and recommend the best treatment. Learn more about herniated discs.
Main symptoms of a herniated disc
The main symptoms of a herniated disc are:
1. Back pain
Back pain can arise when a herniated disc affects the lumbar or thoracic spine, occurring in the middle of the spine in the case of a thoracic hernia and in the lower part of the spine in the case of a lumbar herniated disc.
This pain can have different intensities depending on the severity of the hernia.
Read too: Back pain: 13 main causes and what to do
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2. Neck pain
When a herniated disc affects the cervical spine, pain may appear in the neck and also in the shoulders or shoulder blade, in the upper back, as well as in the arms and hands.
3. Leg pain
Leg pain may arise due to compression of the sciatic nerve that runs from the lumbosacral spine and passes through the buttocks, thighs, legs and heels, ending in the big toe.
This type of pain can affect just one leg, being a common symptom in the case of lumbar disc herniation.
4. Weakness in the arms or legs
The feeling of weakness or decreased strength in the arms, legs, hands or fingers can occur in any type of disc herniation and occurs due to compression of nerves leaving the spine in the lumbar, cervical or thoracic region.
5. Numbness or tingling sensation
The sensation of numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm, elbow, hand or fingers may appear in the case of cervical disc herniation due to nerve compression, but it can also appear in thoracic disc herniation mainly due to compression of the T1 thoracic nerve.
In the case of lumbar disc herniation, the sensation of numbness or tingling in one leg may arise due to compression of nerves leaving the lumbar or sacral spine.
6. Difficulty moving
Difficulty in moving the neck may arise in the case of a cervical disc herniation and occurs due to pain and compression of the nerves in the cervical region.
In the case of lumbar disc herniation, there may be difficulty moving the leg, or flexing the foot or big toe, or the hip.
7. Groin pain
Groin pain can be caused by sacral disc herniation due to compression on the sciatic nerve, which can worsen when the person walks or sits.
Read too: Groin pain: 8 common causes (and what to do)
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8. Pain in the perineum
Pain in the perineum or also in the perianal region may occur in the case of a lumbar disc herniation due to compression of the S1 to S4 nerves.
The intensity of symptoms depends on the location and involvement of the nerves.
9. Urinary or fecal incontinence
Urinary or fecal incontinence is a serious symptom of lumbar disc herniation due to compression of nerves that exit the lower spine and control the perineum.
In these cases, it is important to quickly consult an orthopedist or neurosurgeon to begin the most appropriate treatment. Learn about other symptoms of lumbar disc herniation.
10. Erectile dysfunction
In the case of lumbar disc herniation, erectile dysfunction may also occur due to the compression of nerves leaving the S1-S2 vertebrae.
The symptoms of a herniated disc can be different from one person to another, as it depends on its exact location and the intensity with which the nerves are compressed, and it is important to consult an orthopedist whenever symptoms of a herniated disc appear to begin treatment. .
How to confirm if it is a herniated disc
To confirm a herniated disc, the orthopedist or neurosurgeon normally evaluates the symptoms and performs a complete physical examination, where they identify the likely location of the hernia.
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In addition, the doctor must request additional tests such as X-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging as they help confirm the injury and identify its location and severity.
In some cases, the doctor may order an electromyography exam that allows nerve damage to be assessed, indicating the severity of the injury. See more about what electromyography is and how it is done.
How to deal with
The treatment of a herniated disc varies from person to person and with the type of hernia, and the doctor may recommend physiotherapy and the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications that help relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by compression of the nerves.
In some cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery to remove the affected disc. Understand better how a herniated disc is treated.
