The sensation of numbness and tingling from herniated discs is an all too common symptom of undue pressure being placed on nerve tissue in the spine. So what’s to blame for this phenomenon? And what can be done to address the frustrating pain, numbness and tingling you feel every day?

Resting between each vertebra in the human spine is a soft oval-shaped cushion of joint cartilage called a disc, and these discs provide important padding for the neck and back. In the case of a herniated back disc, a disc has split open and expelled some of its contents into the spinal canal, and these contents can compress the adjoining nerve roots and spinal cord. The compression is what leads to neck and back pain or even feelings of weakness, numbness and tingling.

The symptoms vary largely on the location of the herniated disc. A cervical herniated disc will likely give you aches and pains in your neck, shoulders, arms and hands. A lumbar herniated disc, on the other hand, can result in an intense burning sensation, as well as numbness and tingling, that travels from your lower back to your legs and feet.

Detecting a herniated disc

Not all herniated discs are painful, and they can often go undetected without an MRI. But, in the event that a nerve root has been affected by a herniated back disc, nearly any part of the body can experience symptoms, not just the neck and back. This is because the nerve roots are the body’s way of sending and receiving signals, such as pain, pressure and sensation, to and from the extremities. Anytime a nerve root becomes irritated, improper signals like tingling and numbness will be felt along the entire length of the nerve.

There are a number of options for addressing the pain, numbness and tingling from herniated discs in the spine. After conferring with a physician, a treatment plan will be made for the patient, ranging from a conservative course of action to a surgical alternative. The typical process for diagnosing herniated disc pain is as follows:

• Visit the physician for a medical background and physical exam
• Complete an MRI or CT scan
• Receive a herniated disc diagnosis
• Consider multiple treatment options

Herniated disc treatment options

Should conservative treatments like pain medications, chiropractic care or physical therapy not alleviate the pain, numbness and tingling from herniated discs, a surgical option may be considered. If this is your diagnosis, contact the knowledgeable staff at USA Spine Care to learn about our minimally invasive procedures available to help alleviate pain. Living with a herniated disc does not have to be a way of life. Get on the road to recovery today with USA Spine Care.

We are pleased to offer a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for our minimally invasive outpatient procedures.

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