These Common Pain Symptoms May Indicate Herniated Disc (aka “Slipped Disc”)

Posted on March 29, 2021

Disc herniation is one of the most common back problems people experience today. This painful condition can make common physical movements difficult, causing sufferers to miss out on many of life’s most enjoyable activities.

Our spine is comprised of bones known as vertebrae. Between each of these bones are spinal discs that, when ruptured, can cause irritation to the surrounding nerves.

Here are some of the symptoms that may indicate a herniated disc condition:

Basic symptoms of herniated disc

1. Pain in the arm and leg

If you are constantly feeling pain in your calves, things, or buttocks, it is possible that you have a herniated disc in your lower back. In some cases, people feel pain in the feet.

If the herniated disc is located higher in the vertebrae, this pain may be felt in the arms and shoulders.

In some cases, the pain is only present when the sufferer moved into certain body positions, or when they cough or sneeze. This type of pain is usually burning or sharp.

2. Numb or tingling body parts

The pain mentioned above may also be accompanied by a tingling sensation. In some cases, numbness may occur as well. The tingling or numbness is due to nerve irritation, which may come and go intermittently.

3. Weak muscles

When nerves become inflamed or irritated, the muscles they control may lose strength. People experiencing who suffer from such conditions will generally feel weaker, have difficulty grasping or holding objects and even find it hard to walk.

More Complicated symptoms

1. Intense pain, weakness, and inability to move freely

While basic symptoms of disc herniation are often considered manageable, an intensification of these symptoms can leave the sufferer with an inability to function normally. Severe pain or weakness may inhibit physical movement to varying degrees and diminish the overall quality of a life once enjoyed without discomfort.

2. Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina is a collection of nerves located at the end of the spinal cord. Herniated discs can often damage this group of nerves, and potentially lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction. This condition is known as Cauda Equina Syndrome.

In serious cases, this condition may completely prevent urination, even when the bladder is completely full, causing extreme discomfort and detriment for the sufferer.

3. Saddle anesthesia

Herniated discs can also lead to a condition known as saddle anesthesia, (which is frequently associated with Cauda Equina Syndrome.) This condition is recognized by a loss of sensation in areas such as the buttocks, perineum and the inner surfaces of the thighs.

If you suffer from one or more of  the above symptoms of disc herniation, consult your pain relief doctor to discuss available options for treatment. After thorough consultation and examination, your physician will diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate pain relief option(s) to ease your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

We Can Help Relieve Your Herniated Disc Pain

Whether you suffer from slipped disc or another painful condition, Riverside Pain Physicians can help you find relief.

Our expert board-certified pain management physicians work with you to determine the cause of your pain and develop an individualized treatment plan to relieve your suffering and restore quality of life.

You don’t have to live with the pain. Reach out to us today at Riverside Pain Physicians by calling  904.389.1010, or clicking here to make an appointment online.

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