Discs in our spine separate our vertebrae and act as cushions to absorb movement and shock from running, walking, or lifting. A herniated disc is also called a slipped, bulged, or ruptured disc. No matter what you call it, they can be painful and affect your quality of life. What are 7 signs of a herniated disc?
Starting With The “Why”
Why and how we get a herniated or slipped disc might be a good place to start in order to identify one. Our cushioned discs can become less effective as we get older, known as age-related wear and tear. When we get older our discs actually shrink as they lose their protective jelly-like water content and affect nerves in our spine.
Risk factors for developing a herniated disc also include the following:
- Frequently lifting many heavy objects
- Suddenly twisting or turning your spine
- Having a physically demanding job
- Being overweight
- Men between the ages of 20 – 50.
- Frequent driving
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Genetics
When a disc slips out of place, it can irritate surrounding nerves and cause extreme pain. This is quite common in the lower lumbar portion of the spine, but it can also happen in the neck or cervical part of the spine.
Signs Of A Herniated Disc
Usually you will feel pain in the area of the herniated disc. In addition you may experience these signs:
Pain and Numbness
This usually will only be on one side of your body.
Tingling In Your Hips and Legs
Usually down only one leg
Pain Shooting Down Your Leg
This is like sciatica pain and normally it only affects one leg
Pain Gets Worse After Rest
This include after sleeping at night
Pain While Walking
Weakness In the Legs
Pain Or Numbness on One Side Of the Body
Contact Texas Spine Associates if any of these signs become persistent.