Symptoms of disc herniation (lumbar, cervical and thoracic)

The main symptom of a herniated disc is pain in the spine that generally appears in the region where the hernia is located, and can be in the cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine. In addition to this, the pain can follow the pathecto of the nerves of the region, so it can even radiate to more remote places, reaching legs or arms.

Other symptoms that can arise in a herniated disc are tingling, swelling, punctures or, in more severe cases, decreased strength or urinary incontinence. However, it should be remembered that disc herniation always causes symptoms or can even cause mild discomfort.

A herniated disc arises when the intervertebral disc and its gelatinous center, which act as a kind of dampener of the column, selling from the correct place, causing the compression of nerves in the region. The treatment is carried out with medication to relieve the pain, physiotherapy or, in some cases, surgery. Learn more about how a herniated disc forms and how to treat it.

The symptoms of a herniated disc vary from according to its location, which is why the most common symptoms are:

1. Cervical disc herniation

In this type of hernia, the pain is located in the upper part of the column, more specifically in the cuello. Nervio compression can cause pain to radiate from shoulder to arm. Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty in carrying out movements with the cuello;
• Sensation of numbness or tingling in the shoulder, in the arm, elbow, hand or fingers;
• Decrease of strength in one of the arms.

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary from one individual to another, depending on the location and the intensity of the compression. These symptoms can appear suddenly, disappear spontaneously and return at unpredictable intervals. But they can also be constant and long lasting. Find out how cervical disc hernia treatment is performed.

2. Lumbar disc herniation

When this type of hernia occurs, it is common for intense pain to appear in the back together with other symptoms such as:

• Pain in the wide area of ​​the sciatic nerve that goes from the spine to the buttocks, muslo, leg and heel;
• You may have weakness in the legs;
• Difficulty lifting the foot leaving the heel in the soil;
• Change in the functioning of the intestine or bladder, due to the compression of the nerves.

The number and intensity of the symptoms will depend on the location and the commitment of the nerves. Generally, the loss of strength indicates a serious alteration, due to be quickly evaluated by the traumatologist or neurosurgeon. See how the lumbar disc hernia treatment is performed.

3. Thoracic disc herniation

Thoracic disc herniation is less common, occurring in only 5% of cases, but when it arises it can cause:

• Pain in the central region of the column that radiates to the ribs;
• Pain to breathe or perform movements with the chest;
• Pain or change in sensitivity in the belly, back or legs;
• Urinary incontinence.

When these symptoms appear that indicate the presence of a herniated disc, a traumatologist or a neurosurgeon should be consulted to carry out an evaluation and request the performance of imaging exams such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging or a tomography of the spine.

Depending on the results of the exams, the treatment can be successful with physiotherapy or surgery, according to the individual needs of each person and the seriousness of the problem. Learn more about the treatment of herniated disc.

How is the diagnosis performed?

To diagnose and confirm a herniated disc, the orthopedist or neurosurgeon usually evaluates the symptoms and performs a complete physical exploration, in which he identifies the probable location of the hernia and requests complementary exams such as radiographs, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging that help confirm it. its location and gravedad.

In some cases, the doctor may request an electromyography that allows the evaluation of nerve injuries, indicating the severity of the injury.

What is the treatment

The treatment of a herniated disc varies from person to person and with the type of hernia, so the doctor can indicate the performance of physiotherapy and analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs that help to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation produced by the compression of los nerves. In some cases, it may be necessary to perform a surgery to remove the disc that is affected. Find out more about how the herniated disc treatment is performed.