A tear in the wall of an intervertebral disc is a condition commonly known as a herniated disc. When this occurs, a number of herniated disc symptoms may be felt, but one of the first symptoms is usually neck or back pain. As the disc wall tears open, some of its inner jelly-like fluid is released and this fluid can irritate nerves in the disc’s outer wall, causing pain at the location of the disc tear.

The disc’s inner core material also can travel through the spinal canal. The jelly-like matter can press on, constrict, and irritate the spinal cord or a nerve root that stems from the spine. The spinal cord and all nerve roots are integral pieces of the nervous system, which provides sensation and motor signals to and from the body. When nerves are attacked, or if they feel attacked, as is the case when the fluid from the inner portion of a disc irritates them, they send messages that they are in trouble. Usually the spinal cord and nerve roots will emit signals of pain at the site of compression and irritation to indicate to the brain that something isn’t right.

Commonly Experienced Radiating Herniated Disc Symptoms

Just as herniated disc symptoms can be felt locally at the site of irritation or aggravation, they can also be felt in the limbs as well. It may seem odd to think that pain in the heels could be caused by a disc herniation in the lower back, but it could be the case. The nerve roots stemming from the lower portion of the spine give way to subsidiary nerves and nerve endings throughout the lower body, including the heels. So, when the nerve root in the lower back is affected by the ruptured disc fluid, it may interrupt the nerve’s signals or send the message of irritation along the course of the nerve, and subsequently, symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms can radiate into the limbs from the source of nerve compression.

What Is the Cause of Disc Herniation?

There is not one specific cause linked to herniated discs, but the attribute most often connected to them is age. Aging, in itself, isn’t necessarily the cause of disc problems, but rather it is the natural degeneration process that the body experiences with age that gives way to spinal abnormalities like herniated discs. Over time, the intervertebral discs in the spine dehydrate, flatten out, lose their flexibility, and weaken in general. The weakened discs are more susceptible to tearing, and excessive deterioration is ultimately what will force a disc wall to rupture.

What Can You Do About The Symptoms?

The herniated disc symptoms most commonly experienced generally subside on their own in less than two months, but sometimes the symptoms can be so debilitating in those two months that treatment may be sought. Fortunately, though, treatment is available. See your doctor if any of the symptoms sound familiar and you cannot pinpoint what is causing them. Your doctor will diagnose you and prescribe a conservative (nonsurgical) treatment plan for you that may involve physical therapy, exercises to try, and pain and anti-inflammatory medications. If the symptoms linger after several months of utilizing conservative treatments, you may wish to ask your doctor about surgery for your condition.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

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Keywords: Herniated disc