Herniated
Disks
 

What is a herniated disc?
Many patients with back pain, leg pain, or weakness of the lower extremity muscles are diagnosed with a herniated disc, or rupture of the intervertebral disc. When this occurs, the cushion that sits between the spinal vertebra, is pushed outside its normal position. This would not be a problem so often if it weren't for the spinal nerves that exit the spinal cord and sit very close to the edge of the disc.

The intervertebral disc is a soft cushion that becomes more rigid with age. In a young individual, the disc is elastic and pliable, but like so many other structures in the body (e.g. tendons, ligaments, etc.), as we age, the disc looses its elasticity and is more vulnerable to injury. In fact, even in individuals as young as 30, an MRI shows evidence of disc deterioration in about 30% of people.#10;

When a ruptured disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, the nerves and spinal cord can become pinched. There is normally a little extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, but if enough of the disc is pushed out of place, then these structures may be compressed. #10;

What causes symptoms of a ruptured disc?
When the disc ruptures and pushes out, the nerves may become trapped. A disc herniation may occur suddenly in an event such as a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually with repetitive straining of the lumbar spine. Often people who experience a ruptured disc already have lumbar spine arthritis, a problem that causes bone spurs and inflammatory tissue to take up some of the precious space around the nerves. When a disc ruptures, the space for the nerve is diminished and irritation of the nerve results.#10;

Common symptoms of a herniated disc include: #10;

• Leg Pain
  Most commonly experienced over the outside of the thigh, the lower leg, or foot. Shooting pain may be experienced coming all the way down the leg; patients often describe an electric shock type of symptom.

• Parasthesias
  This is the medical word for abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or pins and needles. These symptoms may be experienced in the same region as painful sensations.

• Muscle Weakness
  Because of the nerve irritation, signals from the brain may be interrupted causing muscle weakness, usually of the ankle. Nerve irritation can also be tested by examining the reflexes of the knee and ankle.

• Bowel or Bladder Problems
  This is important because it may be a sign of Cauda Equina Syndrome, a possible condition resulting from a herniated disc. This is a medical emergency, and your should see your doctor immediately if you have problems voiding, having bowel movements, or if you have numbness around your genitals.

All of these symptoms are due to the irritation of the nerve from the ruptured disc. By interfering with the pathway by which signals are sent from your brain out to your extremities and back to the brain, all of these symptoms can be caused by a disc pressing against the nerve.