4 Signs of a Slipped Disc in Your Lower Back
A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, is a medical condition that occurs when the soft, spongy center of an intervertebral disc pushes beyond its normal boundaries. This causes the outer layers of the spinal column above and below the affected disc to press against adjacent nerves, resulting in pain and other physical symptoms.
The earlier you catch the signs of a slipped disc or other back problem, the sooner you can start treating it and preventing it from getting worse. OLSS can help you diagnose a slipped disc and come up with a treatment plan that can help you recover fully. Here are some common warning signs that indicate you might have a slipped disc in your lower back.
Signs of a Herniated Disk
A herniated disk occurs when a tear in the outermost layer of one of the disks that cushion your vertebrae allows the inner gel to leak out. This can put pressure on your nerves and cause immense pain. The disks are located between the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up your spine. Some common signs of a herniated disk can include:
- Pain that radiates from your spine to your buttock and leg
- Discomfort when you bend over or twist your spine
- Tingling or numbness in your leg or foot
- You may also feel weak in your leg or have difficulty moving it
Herniated disks are more common as you get older because the disks begin to shrink and wear down.
Arm or Leg Pain
A slipped disc can cause arm or leg pain. This happens when the gel-like center of a disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. The spinal canal is a narrow space in your spine that contains the spinal cord and nerves.
When a disc herniates, it can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and that pain will then travel to your arms or legs. A herniated disc is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine), but it can also occur in the neck (cervical spine) or middle back (thoracic spine).
Arm or Leg Numbness
If you experience arm or leg numbness, it could be a sign of a slipped disc. This is because a slipped disc can put pressure on the nerves in your spine and cause numbness. If you have other symptoms like back pain or weakness in your arms or legs, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Numbness can make it difficult to walk or do other simple tasks.
Arm or Leg Weakness
If you have weakness in your arm or leg, it could also be a sign that you have a slipped disc. This is especially true if the weakness is on one side of your body, as slipped discs usually cause pain on one side more than both at the same time. If the disc presses on a nerve, this arm or leg weakness can continue until you get the situation looked at by a doctor.
Discomfort With Bending or Twisting
A slipped disc can cause discomfort when you bend or twist your spine. Bending or twisting can exacerbate an already slipped disc and make it more difficult to do these motions, or potentially make whatever pain you have now worse. A slipped disc often gets better on its own, but it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any serious causes and refrain from bending or twisting as much as possible until then.
Get Back Pain Relief Today at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery
A slipped disc can be painful and serious, but it is a treatable condition. You may even be able to treat it without using invasive surgical methods. However, you need to have your slipped disc assessed before performing any kind of treatment.
A qualified spine surgeon and orthopedic specialist can take a look at your spine to see exactly what is wrong with it and craft a personalized treatment plan to help you get better as quickly as possible. Our surgeons are dedicated to helping patients find pain relief. Contact Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery at (866)-646-5090 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with a qualified orthopedic and spine surgeon today.