A herniated disc can cause severe back and neck pain and is commonly referred to by a variety of names including "pinched nerve" and "bulging disc." The space between each pair of vertebrae contains a spongy, gel-like-disc. The main function of the disc is to allow flexibility and absorb shock as the body moves. A herniated disc occurs when the disc becomes dislocated or slips out of place.
Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of a herniated disc. The pain generally radiates to other parts of the body. Herniated discs in the neck will result in pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, upper back and arms. A herniated disc in the lower back leads to radiating pain in the buttocks, thighs as well as legs---often called sciatica. Herniated discs are more common in the lower back because the area bears the most pressure and movement on a daily basis.
Tingling Sensation
The area where the herniation is located may become numb or have a "pins and needles" sensation, also known as paresthesias. The sensation may be accompanied by muscle spasms or weakness, states The National Institutes of Health. Involuntarily dragging one's foot is a sign of a severe herniated disc and requires immediate treatment.
Bowel and Bladder
A person with a herniated disc may even lose control of bowel and bladder functions. Sudden urination or presence of a bowel movement combined with additional symptoms of a herniated disc could mean a severe slip of the cartilage has occurred. Emergency treatment is required for bladder problems related to a herniated disc.
