Herniated Disk Symptoms

Herniated disk is a condition related to the lumbar or lower spine of your back. The discs between the spinal vertebrates are soft and have a cushion-like gelatinous substance. Due to aging, they shrink and dry out, and lose their elasticity. When the gap in the spinal cord is caused due to the shrinking of the discs, the bones of the vertebrae exerts some pressure on it. This is because of the force of friction. The discs then tend to rupture and bulge out from the normal radius of the spine.

The symptoms of herniated disk depend on the area in which it has happened. The symptoms differ from position-to-position in the spine. Here, are the common herniated disk symptoms in different positions of the spine.

In lumbar position

The symptoms begin with pain in the buttocks and lower back. Sometimes, the pain moves to the legs and thighs too. There would be muscle weakness and other complicated problems. In lumbar herniated disk often bowel and bladder disorder is also seen as one of the common symptoms of a slipped disk.

Thoracic region

Symptoms of a bulging disk in the thoracic portion include pain in the mid back and ribs. It also travels to the shoulders. Numbness, tingling and burning sensation are some other symptoms of this area.

In the neck or cervical region

The first symptom is pain. There is difficulty in moving the head and a moving pain to the shoulders and arms. Numbness and weakness in fingers are some symptoms of neck slipped disk.

In severe cases, the pain is felt like having an electric shock. Physical incapability to perform any task normally is one of the symptoms of herniated disk. It almost makes you physically handicapped.