A herniated disc refers to an intervertebral disc of the spinal column slipping out of its normal anatomic location. The discs act as cushions between the vertebral bodies (bones of the spine). This is referred to as a disc herniation or more commonly a "slipped disc."
Signs and symptoms of a herniated disc are caused by the disc pressing against adjacent spinal nerves. Symptoms can include shooting pain in the distribution of the affected nerve, pins and needles sensation, tingling, burning, or numbness. Other associated symptoms and signs can include muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and incontinence of bowel or bladder.
Causes of a herniated disc
The discs can degenerate due to age or injury, causing the softer central portion to rupture (herniate) through the surrounding outer ring (annulus fibrosus).
Other herniated disc symptoms and signs
- Burning
- Fecal Incontinence
- Muscle Spasms
- Muscle Weakness
- Numbness
- Pins and Needles Sensation
- Shooting Pain
- Stiff Neck
- Tingling in the Legs
- Urinary Incontinence
Main Article on Herniated Disc Symptoms and Signs
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