Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to Seek Care
This article discusses the frequent and rare herniated disc symptoms, the complications that can arise, and the signs it’s time to get help.
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Symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the herniated disc. Much depends on whether the condition affects thecervical spine(the vertebrae of the neck) or thelumbar spine(lower back). This issue rarely impacts the middle of the back or thoracic spine.Furthermore, if the leaking nucleus of the vertebrae isn’t affecting surrounding nerves, you may experience mild symptoms or none at all.
Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms
A lumbar herniated disc is the most common type. Typical signs of a herniated disk in the lower spine vertebrae include:
Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms
Cervical herniated disc symptoms affect the neck vertebrae and can feel like:
A herniated disc can lead tocauda equina syndrome(CES) in rare and more severe cases.The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves originating at the bottom of the spinal cord and ending in the upper portion of the lumbar spine. These nerves are associated with sensation and motor ability in the legs and bladder.
Severe disc herniation can compress the nerves of the cauda equina, leading to CES. Typical signs of this condition include:
A Medical EmergencyCES is a serious condition. If you experience any signs of CES, seek medical help immediately.
A Medical Emergency
CES is a serious condition. If you experience any signs of CES, seek medical help immediately.
Complications and Subgroup Indications
While herniated discs can be very debilitating, many cases are asymptomatic, and about 90% of people with symptoms recover within six to 12 weeks without needing surgery or treatment.However, severe and persistent cases can cause significant, lasting damage to the structure of your spine.
Chronic pain from a herniated disc can impact mental health. In one study, nearly half of the patients with chronic back or neck pain due to herniated discs experienced mood disorders, includingmajor depressive disorderandgeneralized anxiety disorder.
Herniated Disc and Pregnancy
Low-back painaffects about half of pregnant people, and, in some cases, a lumbar herniated disc is at fault. The risk of developing the condition rises as pregnancy-associated weight gain increases strain on the spine. Some research suggests hormonal shifts during pregnancy increase the risk of discs sliding out of position and rupturing.
Herniated Disc and Obesity
Excess weight andobesity—abody mass index(BMI) of 30 or more—can increase the chances of developing a herniated disc. With extra body weight, the spine is under more pressure, which can damage the structure and cause discs to move out of position and become damaged.
Herniated discs can worsen the quality of life of those who are overweight or living with obesity. Evidence suggests that excess weight may also worsen outcomes after surgery for a herniated disc.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most herniated discs resolve independently, without the need for treatment. If your symptoms persist longer than four to six weeks, and the pain or numbness worsens, you should call your healthcare provider.
Additionally, the following may be signs of a more severe case and prompt immediate attention:
Summary
A herniated disc arises when the cartilage discs that cushion the spine’s vertebrae move out of position and leak. Though the condition is sometimes asymptomatic, it can cause severe back pain, numbness, limb weakness, and sciatica symptoms.Most people recover from herniated discs within four weeks without treatment, though persistent symptoms and complications, such as loss of bladder or bowel control, prompt medical treatment.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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