In our daily lives, an activity that can only be considered normal, such as a sudden jolt of back pain, can easily disrupt your daily routine. Often, this pain can appear out of nowhere, making even easy tasks like tying your shoes nearly impossible without intense pain in your neck or back. While localized pain makes it simple to even feel where the pain is, determining whether it’s a hernia or not is a little more difficult.

The vertebral column, located in the medial part of the body, is one of the most important skeletal formations in humans. More commonly known as the “spine,” this column consists of 33 individual bones of various sizes, each a different size and shape. The curved spine, starting at the cervical region and ending at the coccyx, is what allows you to stand upright, pivot and bend while protecting the spinal cord. To provide maximum support and prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other, each piece of bone is separated from the others by a thin disc. These discs provide shock support and are vital for proper spinal function.

Unfortunately, like any other part of the body, some parts of the vertebral column can become damaged over time or with certain activities. When one of the discs located between the vertebrae is damaged, part of it can “bulge” between the spine and into a nearby bundle of nerves. This causes great pain and discomfort.

Although a herniated disc can sometimes feel like typical back pain, there are a few important symptoms to look out for. Knowing what distinguishes a herniated disc from a similar injury will allow you to find appropriate treatment and minimize your discomfort.

Because of the location of the discs along the spine, the location of pain and type of symptoms may vary depending on the nerves affected. For example, if the pain is accompanied by tingling, weakness or numbness in the back or neck, it may be indicative of a herniated disc. For herniated discs in the lower lumbar region, this feeling of numbness and weakness can extend well beyond the back or neck, and it is not uncommon for these symptoms to appear in the hip, leg, or even foot. Injuries in the upper region of the lumbar spine are often characterized by pain in the groin or front of the thigh.

Herniated discs in the neck can cause pain in the shoulders, arms, and even hands. It is not uncommon to experience a tingling or numbing sensation along with the pain, such as in the lower back. Most often, this type of injury is caused by poor posture while standing or sitting.

Having a herniated disc can instantly stop many of your favorite activities or important tasks. If you think you may be suffering from herniated disc symptoms, please contact us for a consultation and get yourself on the path to relief.