Herniated Disc in Back: Options For Herniated Disk Symptoms

Overview of Herniated Disc

Certain conditions could create a tear in the annulus fibrosus (outer, fibrous ring) of a lumbar intervertebral disc, causing the soft central portion (nucleus pulposus) of the disc to bulge out, resulting in a herniated disc in back. When this happens, inflammatory chemical mediators — specifically a substance known as tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) — are released causing severe pain (a condition called “chemical radiculitis”), even in the absence of nerve root compression. If left untreated, the disc could herniate and the nucleus pulposus leak out, which could lead to a pinched nerve and also cause back pain.

Herniated Disc in Back Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc in back?

Most people with herniated disk feel the pain from the buttocks down to the back of one leg and into the calif. The pain travels through the part of the sciatic nerve, that’s why it’s called sciatica.

Doctors suggest medicines for the pain and the case can usually get better in 4 weeks. It may take longer for other patients, and some instances requires surgery as a treatment. Ensuring neck, spine, cervical and back health is important for fast recovery.

Lumbar disc herniations commonly occur between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae (L4 to L5) or between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the sacrum (L5 to S1).

A “Slipped Disc”?

A herniated disk is often called a “slipped disc”, but this description is misleading because the intervertebral disc is attached and pressed between two vertebrae, so that it could not “slip”.

Stages of Herniated Disc in Back

The intervertebral disc, however, could be squeezed, stretched and twisted out of its position in small degrees or stages. These stages are as follows…

Bulging Disc: Considered a contained disc disorder, the disc appears as a swollen mass because of the expansion of its annulus fibrosus.
Protruding Disc: Still a contained disc, it protrudes into the spinal canal and compress on the nerve producing pain. The disc hasn’t broken open at this point.
Herniated or ruptured disc: Already a non-contained disc disorder, a tear opens causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude even further into the spinal canal or actually leak out.

Studies have shown that bulging discs are more common than herniated discs. Herniated discs, however, have an increased chance of causing severe pain. A small percentage of patients may have a painless bulging or herniated disc in back.