A herniated disc occurs when the spongy discs between the bones (vertebrae) that form the spine are damaged, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a slipped or ruptured disc. You can have a bulging disc in any part of your spine. But most injuries affect the lower back (lumbar spine). This injury is often results in what is referred to as lumbago or lower back pain. Some happen in the neck (cervical spine) and, more rarely, in the upper back (thoracic spine).

A ruptured disc can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. On the other hand, many people experience no symptoms from a slipped disc. Most people who have a injured a disc don’t need surgery to correct the problem.

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc may be caused by:

• Wear and tear of the disc
• Injury to the spine
• Lifting improperly

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Depending upon where the injury is located on the spine, different pain symptoms will show.

• Leg Pain
• Sciatica Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Finger Numbness
• Upper Back
• Chest Pain
• Weak Grip
• Arm Pain

Treatments For Herniated Discs

Once again depending upon location and severity, different treatments are administered. Treatments may include the following:

• Physical Therapy
• R.I.C.E.
• Manipulation
• Epidural Injections

Cervical Herniated Discs

To learn more about herniated discs, view the educational video below.