Symptoms
Symptoms include:
-
Pain—how severe the pain is depends on which disc is herniated and how large the herniation is
- Pain may spread over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh, and into the calf
- Pain may be in one leg (more common) or both legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms
- In severe cases, inability to find comfort even lying down
- Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain
-
Cauda equina syndrome—involves bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
- Note: This is an emergency, Call 911
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your spine will be examined. The doctor will test the movement, strength, and reflexes of the arms and legs.
Tests may include:
- X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
- CT scan — a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
- MRI —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body and allows both the bones and the disc to be seen
- Diskography —a test that involves injecting a dye into the center of the disc and then taking an x-ray, which may show the dye leaking out
- Electrodiagnostic testing —a test that measures the electrical activity of muscle by placing needle electrodes into the muscle
- Myelography —a type of x-ray that uses dye injected in the space around the spinal cord to more clearly outline the space containing the spinal cord and nerves, can show any disc herniation
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
More Herniated Disc Information
Improved
620 HealthChanged
293 LivesSaved
210 LivesPopular this Week
- My Liver Disease Story & the Birth Control Pill 20 reads 23 comments
- Will I be able to bear a child with a Fibroid and a Hypo Thyroid in my 40s? 0 reads 1 comments
- c6-c7 hernited disk 0 reads 1 comments
- Can Herniated Discs Be Fixed With Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery? - Dr. Barba (VIDEO) 0 reads 0 comments
Connect with Women Like You 72 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
