Symptoms of disc herniation
There are several symptoms of disc prolapse, mostly resulting from the structure compressed by the herniated disc. They include:
- Limb pain: Pain is the main symptom of a herniated disc owing to the compression of nerve roots. In the case of lumbar vertebrae disc prolapse, the nerves compressed are those supplying the leg and buttocks. Most patients believe the pain is in the leg itself and not in the back since not all of them have back pain at the time. If the herniated disc is in the neck, arm pain occurs instead of the lower extremity. Pain feels like burning, aching, or stabbing in character.
- Numbness or tingling: Patients may also experience numbness or tingling in their arms or legs. The site of such numbness depends on the location of the herniated disc. Our arms and legs are distributed into sensory zones and each one originates from a specific level on the spinal cord. For example, most herniated discs are at the level of L5, which means that the most commonly affected area with pain and numbness is the outermost leg and the front of the thigh.
- Back pain: Back pain usually occurs when the muscles overlying the herniated disc go into spasm. This can be seen following acute trauma as in road traffic accidents or following lifting heavy objects.
- Limb weakness: Although not as common as pain, muscle weakness due to a herniated disc can occur, and its severity varies depending on the amount of disc herniation and its encroachment upon the motor nerve.
- Cauda equina: Cauda equina means horse tail in Latin. It is a medical condition that occurs when the herniated disc affects the lower part of the spinal nerves and herniates significantly. In this condition, patients feel severe numbness around their genitalia and their inner thigh. There may also be urinary or bowel incontinence in more severe cases.