The Host of Herniated Disc Symptoms

Herniated disc symptoms come in many different forms, and each symptom is entirely unique depending on the location and severity of the disc hernia. The most notable symptom associated with a herniated disc is pain, but several other symptoms can actually arise when intervertebral disc walls rupture. And, though herniated discs are most commonly experienced in the neck or lower back, symptoms can be felt in virtually any other area of the body.

Pain at the Source of the Affliction

Pain is one of the main symptoms that is most closely associated with a herniated disc, as well as the majority of other spinal abnormalities. In most cases, pain is felt at the site of the herniated disc. This is due to the fact that when a disc tears open, the tiny nerves within the disc wall (annulus fibrusus) are irritated, much like your skin feels painful and irritated when you receive a cut or scrape. In addition, the inner contents (nucleus pulposus) of a disc contain inflammatory compounds that further irritate nerves in the torn disc wall, causing pain.

That said, a herniated disc in the cervical (neck) spine can cause constant pain and feelings of stiffness in the neck. Likewise, a herniated disc in the lumbar (lower back) spine can cause severe pain in that region and make it difficult to bend and twist at the waist.

Radiculopathic Symptoms

Depending on where the actual site of the herniated disc is along the spine, symptoms can be felt in a number of different regions. The reason for this is the peripheral nervous system. While the central nervous system consists mainly of the brain and the spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system consists of nerves that stem from the spinal cord and travel throughout the body. Specifically, the nerves stemming from the cervical spine travel into and provide sensation to the shoulders, arms, and hands, and the nerves stemming from the lumbar spine provide sensation throughout the lower body. When the nerve roots, which give way to nerves throughout the upper and lower appendages, are impinged by a herniated disc, symptoms of pain, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms in the appendages can be the result.