Is It a Herniated Disc or Just Sharp Back Pain?

You drop something on the ground and immediately bend over to pick it up. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a sharp pain shoots through your back. Could you have a herniated disc? Below, we cover herniated disc symptoms to look for, as well as herniated disc treatment options.

What is a herniated disc?

We each have 24 spinal discs between the vertebrae that run from the top to the bottom of our spinal cord. The discs are pad-like rubbery cushions with a soft center. They help absorb the impact of movements on the spinal column and connect the vertebrae to each other so you can bend and twist your neck and back.

A herniated disc happens when damage occurs to one of the discs in your spine, causing the soft gel-like substance in the center of the spinal disc to rupture and leak. This may be referred to as a slipped disc, ruptured disc or herniated disc. Most herniated discs happen in the lower back, just above the hips. Discs can also rupture in the neck.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Herniated discs can irritate nearby nerves, causing back pain, sciatica symptoms, and pain and numbness in your legs, hips, arms and neck. The pain can feel mild or sharp, and may be accompanied by feelings of tingling and weakness. Certain actions like bending over, coughing or sneezing may make the discomfort worse.

Herniated disc symptoms often resemble low back pain caused by sprains or strains. There are, however, differences between the two:

• If you have a herniated disc, you're more likely to feel symptoms in one leg and hip, rather than on both sides of the body. You may also have weakness in one arm or in your neck. A strain or sprain will only affect the lower back, and not your extremities.
• Herniated discs cause pain upon bending and straightening up. Lower back pain tends to hurt most upon straightening, not upon bending.
• Herniated discs impact upon the knee-jerk (patellar) reflex, but lower back sprains and strains do not. The knee-jerk reflex refers to an outward kick from the lower leg, in response to light impact on the patellar tendon. This test provides information about the health and integrity of spinal cord situated in your lower back. To do this test, your doctor will sharply tap your leg right under your kneecap, with a lightweight rubber hammer.
• A severely herniated disc can affect bowel and bladder control. Lower back pain does not impact upon the inner organs.

What causes a herniated disc?

Since spinal discs become less flexible as we age, most herniated discs are due to wear and tear over time. People aged 30 to 50 years old are at the highest risk for this injury.

Other factors that increase your chances include being overweight, family history, and use of nicotine products such as cigarettes and vapes.

Your occupation may also put you at an increased risk, if it requires frequent lifting of heavy objects, or bending and twisting. Jobs with long periods of sitting or standing also increase risk.

The activities you enjoy may have an impact. Sharp movements like a golf or tennis swing can cause a disc to rupture. So can sports like football, weightlifting, and bowling.

Sudden impact and injuries that cause pressure on the back and neck can cause a slipped disc.

What is the treatment for a herniated disc?

In many cases, a herniated disc will heal on its own with rest, which should include avoiding exercises or other activities that could strain your back, like lifting or bending. Heat, ice, massage and ultrasound therapy can also help relieve herniated disc symptoms and manage pain. It can take up to four to six weeks for a mild herniated disc to heal, or longer for more severe cases.

If you suspect a herniated disc and your symptoms don't improve — or they worsen — contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend medications such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, or nerve pain drugs. Physical therapy is often beneficial.

Pain that doesn't resolve may require an epidural steroid injection.

In some instances, surgery may be the best choice for relieving pressure on the nerve root.

When to have back surgery for a herniated disc

Most people with a herniated disc don't need surgery. But if the pain doesn't improve with rest and other treatments, like injections and physical therapy, surgery might be the most effective option for treating a herniated disc.

Types of herniated disc surgery include:

• Discectomy: The damaged disc is removed via an incision to relieve pressure on a nerve.
• Lumbar laminotomy: In addition to the damaged disc, a small piece of bone called the lamina is removed from the vertebra to relieve nerve pressure and pain.
• Spinal fusion: The two vertebrae on either side of the disc are fused together to stabilize your spine.

Protect your spine and reduce your chances of a herniated disc

Take steps to protect your spine by maintaining a healthy weight and good posture, taking care when lifting heavy objects, and trying to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you think you have a herniated disc or are experiencing back pain, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor or chiropractor, who can make a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment options.

The CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for doctor visits, chiropractic care, X-rays, physical therapy, tests and treatment for back pain and herniated discs at locations nationwide. Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit.