A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its tougher outer layer. This can irritate or compress nearby spinal nerves.
Common Locations
Most frequently occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine) and, less commonly, in the neck (cervical spine).
Symptoms
Sharp or burning pain radiating down an arm or leg, numbness or tingling in the affected limb, muscle weakness, and pain that worsens with certain movements like sitting, coughing, or bending forward.
Causes
Age-related disc degeneration is the most common factor, along with repetitive strain, improper lifting technique, excess body weight, and sudden trauma.
Diagnosis
MRI is the gold standard for visualizing disc herniation and confirming nerve compression. Nerve conduction studies may help assess the extent of nerve involvement in more complex cases.
Treatment Options
Most cases improve with conservative treatment: physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity modification. Epidural steroid injections can help manage persistent pain that doesn’t respond to initial measures. Surgery, typically a microdiscectomy to remove the herniated portion of the disc, is reserved for cases with significant nerve compression, progressive weakness, or symptoms that don’t improve after several weeks of conservative care.
When to See a Specialist
Radiating leg or arm pain that doesn’t improve with rest, or any new weakness or numbness, should be evaluated rather than managed indefinitely at home.
