Herniated Disk Symptoms

A herniated disk occurs when one of the gel-like disks between the vertebrae is damaged, causing its contents to bulge or leak, irritating the spinal nerve. A slipped disk can occur anywhere along the spine. It is more common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). Though less common, it can occur in the middle to upper back (thoracic spine).

Disk pain is often the result of disk degeneration, the gradual age-related wear-and-tear of the spine. It can also less commonly be caused by a sudden injury or by twisting or turning while lifting something.

Pain may be constant or it may be intermittent (comes and goes). Knowing the early signs of a herniated disk may help you get care sooner, which can reduce lasting damage and improve treatment outcomes.

A herniated disk usually occurs on one side of the body. Symptoms can vary, depending on the location of the rupture. Pain is either related to pressure on the nerve or localized inflammation that irritates the nerve root.

Lower Back: Herniated Lumbar Disk Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disk in the back may include any of the following:

• Pain or tenderness in the back – This occurs most often, though not always, in the lower back. Back pain often travels down into the hips, legs and feet.
• Pain in one leg – Depending on the location of the affected disk in the back, it may radiate from the buttock to the foot (sciatica nerve pain).
• Numbness or tingling – This originates in the affected nerve the disk presses against in the back and travels down the leg.
• Shooting or sharp pain in one leg – Pain may worsen with sudden movements, such as sneezing or coughing.
• Muscle weakness – This weakness in the muscles served by the affected nerve may cause you to stumble.

Neck: Herniated Cervical Disk Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disk in the neck may include any of the following:

• Pain or tenderness in the neck – This may occur in the back or sides of the neck, or near or between your shoulder blades. Neck pain often travels down into the arms, hands and fingers. Pain may increase when bending or turning the neck.
• Pain in one arm – Depending on the location of the affected disk in the back, pain may radiate through the shoulder and arm.
• Numbness or tingling – This originates in the affected nerve the disk presses against in the neck and travels down the arm.
• Shooting or sharp pain in one arm – Pain may worsen with sudden movements, such as sneezing or coughing.
• Muscle weakness – This weakness in the muscles served by the affected nerve may cause you to find it difficult to lift or hold items.

Monitor Your Symptoms at Home

You know your body — what is normal and what is not. It is important to stay vigilant about any ongoing, recurring or worsening symptoms. If you’re experiencing back, leg or neck pain that's not responding to rest and self-care, it's time to consider seeing a spine specialist. Consulting your physician when symptoms begin or worsen can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Keep a record of your symptoms, how often they occur and if they are getting better or worse over time. If something feels “off” — even if it’s only every so often — or is a change from your normal experience, schedule an appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible.

Relief for Chronic Back & Neck Pain

We understand how difficult it can be to live with constant or recurring chronic pain. Diagnosing the source of your pain starts with a thorough physical examination. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and examine your back, neck, arms, legs or other parts of the body to understand your symptoms.

In some cases, your doctor will order nerve tests or imaging exams, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, to confirm or rule out other conditions. If you receive a herniated disk diagnosis, our specialists work together to create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief.

Across Houston, our patients have access to our expert neck, back and spine specialists so that you can get the best possible care personalized for your needs — without traveling far from home. Explore our footprint of locations in the greater Houston area and suburbs below.