Have you ever experienced a sharp, radiating pain in your back or legs that just won’t go away?
If so, you might be dealing with a herniated disc, and it’s not something to ignore.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out, irritating nearby nerves. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can seriously impact your daily life.
In this blog, we’ll explore what a herniated disc feels like and highlight five key signs you shouldn’t ignore so you can get relief!
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Table of Contents
Sign 1: Intense Back Pain
One of the most common and noticeable signs of a herniated disc is severe back pain. This pain typically results from the disc pressing on nearby nerves, causing inflammation and discomfort.
The pain is usually located in the lower back or neck, depending on which part of the spine is affected. It often feels sharp and may radiate down your arms or legs. For instance, if the herniated disc is in your lower back, you might experience shooting pain down your buttocks and into your legs, a condition known as sciatica. This pain can worsen with certain movements like bending, lifting, or twisting, making everyday activities challenging.
Sign 2: Numbness or Tingling
Another common symptom of a herniated disc is numbness or tingling. This occurs because the herniated disc can press on nerves that send sensory signals to different parts of your body.
The numbness or tingling is often felt in the legs, feet, or buttocks. For example, if the herniation is in the lower back, you might feel these sensations in your legs or feet. This can make it difficult to feel textures or temperatures with the affected areas, which can be both uncomfortable and hazardous, especially when it affects balance and coordination. If you notice persistent numbness or tingling, it’s important to seek medical advice to prevent further nerve damage.
Sign 3: Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is a significant sign of a herniated disc. When the disc presses on the nerves, it can disrupt the signals that control your muscles, leading to weakness.
This weakness often affects muscles in the areas served by the compressed nerves. For example, a herniated disc in the lower back might cause weakness in the legs or feet, making it difficult to lift your foot when walking. Similarly, if the herniation is in the neck, you might experience weakness in your shoulders or arms. This muscle weakness can interfere with daily activities like walking, lifting objects, or even gripping items.
Sign 4: Pain That Worsens with Movement
Common movements that can exacerbate the pain include bending forward, twisting, lifting heavy objects, or even prolonged sitting.
This type of pain is often sharp and can radiate to other areas. This can significantly limit your mobility and make it challenging to perform everyday tasks.
Sign 5: Sciatica
Sciatica is a common symptom of a herniated disc, especially when the herniation occurs in the lower back. It refers to the pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
The pain is typically sharp and shooting, often described as a burning or electric shock sensation. It usually affects only one side of the body and can extend from the lower back all the way down to the foot. Sciatica can make standing, walking, or sitting for long periods extremely uncomfortable.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the pain from getting worse and get you back to life.
Consult with a healthcare professional if you have persistent back pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or if your pain worsens with movement. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including physical exams and imaging tests, to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment plan.
Ready To Get Help With Physical Therapy?
If you suspect you might have a herniated disc or if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Give us a call at 949 569-5742 or fill out our quick inquiry form here and tell us what’s going on.
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