Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

When your back is in pain, it can be difficult to do even simple, everyday tasks. Chiropractors in The Woodlands commonly treat various types of pain symptoms, one of which is neck or back pain resulting from a herniated disc. This condition occurs when one of the soft discs that cushion the bones of the spine tears, and the inner part of the disc then pushes out through the weakened fibers. Herniated discs occur most commonly in the lower back and neck, but are also seen in the upper back.

Lower Back Symptoms

Sciatica, or leg pain, is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine or lower back. Lumbar spine herniated discs often cause pain which radiates down into the sciatic nerve. Besides sciatica pain, symptoms of a herniated disc in this area include weakness when lifting the big toe and sometimes the ankle, which is referred to as foot drop. It’s also common for patients to experience numbness and pain in the affected foot.

Neck Symptoms

Cervical herniated discs occur in the neck and are less common than those occurring in the lumbar spine. This is because there is less disc material and less pressure on the discs in the neck. Symptoms of a herniated disc in this part of the spine include pain or weakness in the deltoid, biceps, or triceps muscles, depending on the exact location of the disc. Patients may also experience weakness, pain, or numbness in the shoulders, hands, wrists, and fingers.

Upper Back Symptoms

Occurring less frequently than herniated discs in the lower back and neck, herniated discs in the upper back or thoracic spine rarely cause a patient to experience pain or other symptoms. When this condition is symptomatic, the pain is usually felt in the upper back and chest. If you are diagnosed with a herniated disc, there are many different treatment options that your doctor may suggest, depending on your symptoms. Some treatments for herniated discs include chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, and spinal decompression.