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Many people will not show symptoms of leg or back pain associated with a herniated disk and therefor are unaware that they have one. Depending on the position of the herniated disk symptoms vary greatly.
The symptoms relating to the position of the herniated disk are:
<=>No impinged nerve - most often there are no symptoms or at the most a slight back ache in the lumbar region
<=>Nerve impingement - pain and/or numbness will be felt in the area of the body that the affected nerve leads to.
Symptoms in relation to the area of a herniated disk
- Neck herniated disk - pain or numbing sensations can be felt through the arms, shoulders, and possibly the chest.
- Lumbar herniated disk - Pain and numbing sensation can be felt in the lower extremities.
- Sciatic herniated disk - Often termed sciatica (anytime a condition impinges on the sciaitic nerve it will usually be termed sciatica), the afore mentioned symptoms will be felt in the lower extremities along with waves of pain that radiate from the buttocks down the back of the leg and into the ankle or foot.
Nerve-related symptoms of a herniated disk
- Tingling ("pins and needles” sensation) or numbness in one leg that can begin in the buttock or behind the knee and extend to the ankle or foot
- Weakness in certain muscles in one or both legs
- Weakness in both legs and the loss of bladder and/or bowel control, which are symptoms of a specific and severe type of nerve root compression called cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious problem that requires immediate medical help
- Other symptoms of a herniated disc may include severe deep muscle pain and muscle spasms.
Herniated Disc Causes and Risk Factors
The three main causes of a herniated disk are aging, degenerative disc disease or injury to the spine. After the age of thirty the nucleus of a spinal disk begins to lose is fluid content, absorbing less shock and becoming more susceptible to injury. People who preform heavy manual labor or drive motor vehicles for prolonged periods of time are most susceptible to herniated disks. Safe lifting practices help to insure a healthy spine. A herniated disk can develop anywhere in the spine, but often are found in the lower back or the neck region.
The most common spine injury causes are
- Increased pressure to the lower back or a sudden heavy strain. Some of the gelatinous material inside a disc can be forced through of the outer shell with sudden twisting movements or even a powerful sneeze.
- Repetitive activities including poor lifting habits, prolonged exposure to vibration or sports related injuries may stress the lower back as well.