Warning Signs You Have a Herniated Disc

Your spine contains multiple interlocking parts necessary for the complex motions your spine needs to be able to perform. In your spinal column, small vertebral bones interlock. Between each pair of vertebrae, cushioning spinal discs provide shock absorption and smooth movement.

As you get older, one of the most common spinal injuries is a herniated spinal disc. When this happens, one or more of your spinal discs weaken or rupture in the disc’s outer shell, with its inner material leaking into your spinal canal. Misplaced fluid puts pressure on your spinal nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, and other troublesome symptoms.

Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Beejal Amin, MD, FAANS, diagnoses, and treats herniated discs from his practice in Oak Lawn, South Holland, and Orland Park, Illinois. Could you have a herniated disc? You’re at greater risk if you’ve suffered a traumatic injury or if your discs are affected by wear and tear due to aging.

Early symptoms of a herniated disc

Dr. Amin suggests that his patients pay attention to herniated spinal disc warning signs. If you see these early symptoms, seek evaluation and treatment before the problem gets worse.

Back or neck pain

You might think your back or neck pain is due to sitting or sleeping wrong. Or maybe a pulled muscle. But if your neck or back pain symptoms don’t improve with time and become a chronic concern, it might be necessary to seek a spinal evaluation from Dr. Amin. A herniated spinal disc could be to blame.

Spreading pain

Pain related to a herniated spinal disc may seem to spread down your arms if the problem is in the upper part of your spine. If the herniated disc is positioned lower in your spine, your legs could be affected by sensations of spreading pain.

Pain on one side of your body

The pain associated with a herniated disc may be felt only on one side of your body, including in your leg, buttocks, hips, the back of your calves, and the soles of your feet.

Numbness, tingling, and weakness

In addition to pain, nerve compression can result in disturbing sensory changes like numbness or tingling, sometimes felt only on one side of the body. You might also experience unexplained weakness related to a herniated spinal disc affecting your spinal nerves.

Evaluating and treating your spinal problems

If you notice any of the above symptoms being a problem in your daily life, you should contact Dr. Amin for spinal evaluation and treatment. A herniated disc can severely limit your quality of life without the correct diagnosis and care.

Depending on the location of your herniated disc and other factors, including your health and symptoms, Dr. Amin recommends treatments and procedures to address the problem. Dr. Amin recommends conservative treatment options like rest, therapeutic exercise, and pain management support as much as possible.

You may need surgical intervention to restore your spine and relieve your symptoms in severe situations.

If you have herniated disc symptoms, contact Dr. Amin for evaluation and treatment. Call to schedule your appointment online today at one of our offices most convenient to you.