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Herniated Disc Symptoms
Herniated disc symptoms are caused when an intervertebral disc splits open and the internal material spills out, putting pressure on a nerve root or the spinal cord. These structures are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to and from the body and brain, and when they are impinged upon, they are unable to perform this task properly.
Herniated disc symptoms are only present in a minority of cases. In fact, most people with a herniated disc are unaware they even have the condition because it has not progressed to the point where a nearby nerve root or the spinal cord are compressed. However, for the people that do experience them, the symptoms are often debilitating and can even diminish their quality of life. Herniated disc symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness
- Headaches
Anatomy of Herniated Disc Symptoms
The area of the body where symptoms are experienced varies depending on the ruptured disc's location in the spine. The spine is divided into three sections:
- Cervical – The upper spine including the C1–C7 vertebrae. Herniated disc symptoms from this region frequently manifest in the upper back, neck, and arms.
- Thoracic – The middle spine including the T1–T12 vertebrae. Symptoms will present in the mid-back, chest, and abdomen.
- Lumbar – The lower spine including the L1-L5 vertebrae. A ruptured disc here can result in symptoms in the low back, legs, buttocks, and feet.
For more information on herniated disc symptoms, and treatments to relieve them including endoscopic spine procedures, contact Laser Spine Institute. We'll review your MRI or CT scan free of charge and let you know if you're qualified for one of our procedures.