Common Herniated Disc Symptoms
You might not remember what event triggered herniated disc pain, but symptoms generally appear quickly. The pain will range from mild lower back pain to severe discomfort or total numbness in cases of extensive nerve damage. In your best interests, any sign of a herniated disc requires immediate medical attention.
The pain of a herniated disc will depend on the location of the nerve, as each section of the spine has different pathways. You may experience pain in your lower back, legs, butt, foot, or toes—sometimes on one side of your body. Read on for more information about the most common herniated disc symptoms the staff here at Utah Accident Clinic have treated.
Sciatica
When a herniated disc is pressing against a nerve, it causes pain to shoot along the length of the nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest spinal nerve in the body, running from the base of the spine to the foot of both legs. Sciatica is acute leg pain spanning the sciatic nerve on the back of either leg, most commonly caused by a herniated disc.
Muscle spasms
Lower back pain is sometimes marked by dull, throbbing sensations, otherwise known as muscle spasms. Aside from pain medication, getting the pressure off your back by lying down with a pillow under your legs is the only remedy for muscle spams.
Increased Pain with Movement
Any kind of prolonged activity that results in lower back or leg pain may be a sign of herniation. Laughing, sneezing, or simply moving your leg could result in searing pain. Hunching forward may worsen pain, and certain positions may increase your level of discomfort.
General Neurological Disorders
Nerve pain can appear in a wide range of locations with variable severity. The spectrum of herniated disc pain generally affects the lower body. You may feel sharp, stabbing bursts of pain, or radiating waves of pain. These symptoms may be experienced in the leg, foot, and toes. Numbness and tingling are also common symptoms in these areas.
One unique neurological symptom is called a foot drop, which includes trouble lifting your foot when walking on the ball of the foot.
Seek Treatment
With proper treatment, a disc herniation will heal within two months or so. In the meantime, you could be in excruciating, debilitating pain that keeps you off your feet. Seek professional medical help if any of the above symptoms apply to you. The staff here at Utah Accident Clinic are here for you and offer free consultations for your concerns with a herniated disc.
