Health Tip: Signs of a Herniated Disk

1. Low Back Pain Slideshow
2. Take the Back Pain Quiz!
3. Good and Bad Exercises for Low Back Pain

(HealthDay News) -- Disks in the spinal column are soft, rubbery pads wedged between the bones of the spine. They help the spine bend and flex.

When a disk ruptures (herniates), the contents can press against or irritate nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says symptoms of a herniated disk include:

• Weakness that affects one leg or one arm.
• A numb or tingling sensation in one arm, one leg or one side of the buttocks.
• In less frequent cases, loss of bowel or bladder control.
• A burning pain in the neck, an arm or a shoulder.

-- Diana Kohnle

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.