Dealing with painful and unexpected symptoms and not sure what’s causing your discomfort? Worried it could be a herniated disc? Understanding how different symptoms relate to your musculoskeletal system can let you know when it’s time to seek help.
Board-certified neurologist and pain management expert Daljit S. Buttar, MD, and his team at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, specialize in diagnosing and treating many spinal conditions, including herniated discs.
Keep reading for the signs of a herniated disc so you can understand whether you might have one.
From staying upright and active to protecting the cord that carries messages to and from your brain, your spine has many important jobs. If a structure in your spine is damaged or injured, it can lead to disc herniation.
Discs are soft, round cushions between the bones in your spine, called vertebrae. The discs stop the bones from rubbing against each other so you can move smoothly. They also absorb shock from impact.
When an injury or a condition that causes wear-and-tear damage affects your spine, a disc can get pushed out of place. This is called a herniated disc. Since you have very little room in the area near your spine, this displaced disc puts pressure on the surrounding nerves and tissues.
The result can be back pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms aren’t always obvious, since they vary based on where the displacement occurs. Plus, other conditions may share similar signs.
Symptoms caused by a herniated disc depend on the severity and location of the herniation. However, most people with herniated discs experience one or more of the most common symptoms associated with the condition:
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Buttar. Starting treatment earlier usually leads to better outcomes, especially with severe or ongoing symptoms.
Yes! While back, buttocks and leg pain are some of the most common symptoms of disc herniation, other symptoms can develop depending on where in your spinal column displacement occurs.
The out-of-place disc can press on nerves, creating nerve impingement that might cause symptoms in almost any area of your body. This can make it more difficult to know if your symptoms are related to a herniated disc.
It’s always best to meet with a specialist to have your symptoms evaluated by someone with expert knowledge. In the meantime, here are some of the less common signs that could mean you have a herniated disc:
Sometimes, when the herniated disc affects certain nerves, the condition can also lead to urinary or bowel incontinence.
If you think your discomfort might be caused by disc herniation, it’s important to have your symptoms evaluated by a spine specialist, like the team at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center.
Dr. Buttar assesses your symptoms, and medical history, and conducts a physical and neurological examination to diagnose the root of your pain.
Depending on your symptoms and overall health, the doctor may also order other tests, like an MRI, CT scan, nerve tests, X-ray, or other diagnostic tests to confirm your diagnosis and uncover the underlying cause of your symptoms.
If you’re diagnosed with a herniated disc, know that effective treatments can help you find relief. Dr. Buttar offers personalized disc herniation treatment to meet your specific needs and preferences.
We use a step-by-step approach to treatment, starting with conservative methods and escalating if needed. These therapies may include:
If you’re worried you might have a herniated disc, don’t wait to see a specialist. Early intervention can prevent additional damage and help you avoid surgery. You can schedule an appointment online or over with Dr. Buttar at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center today.
