Spotting the Warning Signs of a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs cause neck and back pain for many older adults in the United States. Could your back or neck pain be related to a herniated disc?

Our spinal experts at South Texas Spinal Clinic provide diagnoses and effective treatments for herniated discs. We’re here to help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and how to resolve them and get back to being as pain-free as possible. We treat new and existing patients from around the San Antonio and South Texas area.

Here’s what our pain management and orthopedic surgery providers want you to know about the early warning signs of a herniated spinal disc and how to address developing spinal problems.

Understanding disc herniation

You have many spinal discs separating each of your vertebral bones up and down your spinal column. These discs provide essential cushioning, helping your spine move flexibly without pain or bone grinding against bone.

Your spinal discs contain a soft internal substance inside a hard outer shell. When something causes a disc’s outer shell to weaken and break open, the inner gel-like fluid pushes through the outer shell and bulges into your spinal canal, compressing your spinal nerves.

Early symptoms of a herniated disc

Back or neck pain that doesn’t improve with time and rest is one of the most common early signs of a herniated disc. You might also notice that your pain symptoms are felt only on one side of your body or that your symptoms seem to spread.

The place where you experience pain symptoms can give clues as to the location of the problem in your spine. A herniated disc higher up in your neck (cervical spine) is more likely to send pain spreading through your arms, while problems lower in your spine are more likely to affect your legs or buttocks.

Because herniated discs press on spinal nerves, pain isn’t the only sensation to watch out for. You might also notice numbness or tingling, signaling a potential herniated spinal disc.

Lifestyle and risk factors for disc herniation

Some risk factors mean you’re more likely to deal with a herniated disc. If you fit into these categories, look for early warning signs of a herniated disc like those above.

You’re at elevated risk of a herniated disc if you are older, as herniation is often related to wear and tear and degeneration over time. Your risk also increases if you suffer a traumatic injury, especially one affecting your back or neck.

When you know what to watch out for, you can get early treatment before a herniated disc cuts too far into your quality of life.

Seek treatment for suspected disc herniation

If your disc herniation symptoms don’t go away on their own in a few weeks to a month, you probably need medical treatment. Seeking evaluation helps you take control of your symptoms.

If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms due to a herniated disc, contact our South Texas Spinal Clinic team for evaluation and treatment. We use the most conservative possible treatment options to address your spinal care needs.

For help with a potential herniated disc, call the nearest South Texas Spinal Clinic location and book your initial consultation, or schedule an appointment online today.