Signs Your Back Pain Might Be a Herniated Disc

Back pain is among the most common medical complaints in the United States. In fact, it’s so common that up to 80% of people will experience it at some point. And while many cases resolve with time, some indicate a more serious issue, like a herniated disc. According to the National Institute of Health, herniated discs affect up to 2% of people each year and are a leading cause of radiculopathy, or nerve-related pain.

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I know if I have a herniated disc?” it may be time to take a closer look at your symptoms. Early recognition and expert evaluation are key to avoiding long-term complications like nerve damage.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Your spine consists of 33 stacked small bones, known as vertebrae. They’re separated by intervertebral discs, which are soft, gel-filled cushions that act as shock absorbers during movement.

A disc becomes herniated when the inner material (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a crack in the outer layer (annulus fibrosus), often compressing nearby spinal nerves. What causes a herniated disc can range from normal wear and tear to traumatic injuries, lifting heavy objects, or even repetitive movements like bending and twisting.

Herniated discs most often occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine), though they can affect any area of the spine.

Herniated Disc Symptoms: 5 Common Signs

What does a herniated disc feel like? While not all back pain is caused by a herniated disc, specific patterns may signal it’s time to consult a spine specialist, such as:

• Radiating pain: A hallmark sign of nerve compression from a herniated disc is pain that shoots down the arm or leg, which can be sharp, burning, or electric. In the lower back, this condition is known as lumbar radiculopathy.
• Numbness or tingling: Compression of the spinal nerve can lead to a pins-and-needles sensation in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
• Muscle weakness: Nerve compression may reduce your ability to lift or hold objects, perform daily tasks, or even walk. Weakness can be slight or severe, depending on the condition’s intensity.
• Pain that worsens with movement: Activities like bending, twisting, sitting, lifting, or turning your neck may aggravate pain. Symptoms often improve when lying flat or resting, but nerve pain can often worsen even when sleeping.
• Unilateral symptoms: Herniated disc symptoms typically affect only one side of the body, depending on which nerve root is compressed.

Common Risk Factors for Herniated Discs

While anyone can experience a herniated disc, certain factors raise your risk. Some of these include:

• Age-related degeneration: Natural disc wear and tear make herniation more likely in people between 30 and 50.
• Repetitive strain: Occupations or hobbies that involve heavy lifting, bending, or twisting increase stress on the spine.
• Acute trauma: Falls, accidents, or sports injuries can suddenly rupture a disc.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking and obesity can weaken spinal structures over time. Herniated discs can also run in families.

How Do I Know If I Have a Herniated Disc?

Diagnosing a herniated disc starts with a physical exam and reviewing symptoms, including where the pain is, how it feels, and any associated weakness or numbness.

Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans can confirm the diagnosis and help locate the herniation. An electromyography/nerve conduction test (EMG) may also be needed if nerve involvement is suspected.

From initial evaluation to recovery, one of our board-certified physiatrists will be by your side, ensuring accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive understanding of your spine health.

How to Fix a Herniated Disc

How can you fix a herniated disc? For some patients, herniated discs improve with conservative care, including:

• Physical therapy to improve core strength and spinal stability while loosening up tight muscles
• Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or nerve modulating medications to reduce nerve pain
• Modifying daily activities to allow healing without bed rest

Advanced Non-Surgical Options

If herniated disc symptoms persist, however, more advanced, image-guided treatments may be used. These can include:

• Epidural steroid injections into the spine to reduce nerve inflammation and pain
• Regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to stimulate tissue repair and restore function

All procedures are performed in our offices by fellowship-trained physicians using fluoroscopy or x-ray guidance for precision and safety.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Back Pain

If your back pain has lasted more than a few weeks or you’re experiencing worsening numbness, weakness, or loss of mobility, it’s time to seek care. Left untreated, herniated discs can lead to long-term nerve damage, chronic pain, and more.

The earlier you receive a thorough evaluation, the more options you have for avoiding surgery and preserving your quality of life. With Desert Spine and Sports Physician’s multidisciplinary approach, every patient receives personalized, non-surgical care rooted in evidence-based medicine.

Don’t wait to get answers. If you’re searching for how to heal a herniated disc quickly, request an appointment with our award-winning providers at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians today.