The spinal column is made up of bones referred to as vertebrae and soft, spongy discs that separate the vertebrae. The spinal disc comprises two parts: The tough, fibrous outer portion is called the annulus fibrosis, which gives structure to and contains the jellylike center portion called the nucleus pulposes, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. When the disc is injured, the outer annulus can develop a crack in it that allows the center nucleus to bulge out of its normal confines and put pressure on nearby spinal nerves. This can cause a variety of different symptoms.
Pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms and can vary in its severity and location from one patient to another. According to MayoClinic.com, many patients have herniated discs without even knowing and do not have any symptoms at all. Others, with very minor herniations, can have very severe pain. Pain can be localized in the region of the herniation, but if pressure is placed on a nerve, pain can radiate along the course of the nerve. When a disc herniates in the lumbar spine, it can often place pressure on the large sciatic nerve that runs down the back of the leg, causing radiating pain called sciatica. If the herniated disc occurs in the neck, pain may radiate down the shoulder and arm and into the fingertips.
Numbness and Tingling
Another symptom that often occurs with a herniated disc is numbness and tingling, according to MedlinePlus. The spinal nerves branch off the spinal cord at each vertebral level and travel out to the periphery of the body. These nerves are responsible for carrying sensation information, and when compressed by a herniated disc, all types of abnormal sensations can occur. The most typical sensations are numbness and tingling, but there can be a simple loss of sensation or an increase in sensation as well. It is important to correct this problem as soon as possible to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Muscle Weakness
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists muscle weakness as one of the symptoms of a herniated disc. This occurs in the same way that numbness and tingling does. The spinal nerves are responsible for motor control of the muscles, and when compressed, a lack of information traveling along the nerve can cause one muscle or group of muscles to appear weak. Many people don't realize that they have muscle weakness until a doctor discovers it.
Bowel and Bladder
The loss of bowel and bladder control is a serious emergency medical condition that requires immediate surgery, according to MayoClinic.com. In this instance, the herniated disc has placed pressure on the nerve that controls motor function to those important muscles and must be repaired quickly to prevent permanent damage.
