What is herniated disc?

The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. But when a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a slipped or ruptured disc.

You can have a herniated disc in any part of your spine. But most herniated discs affect the lower back (lumbar herniated disc). Some happen in the neck (cervical herniated disc). Less often, they can be in the upper back (thoracic herniated disc).

When a herniated disc pushes on a nerve, it can cause pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness wherever the nerve travels. Depending on the disc's location, symptoms may occur in areas such as the neck, arm, back, buttock, or legs. Many people with a herniated disc have no symptoms.

To find out if you have a herniated disc, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and do an exam. If this suggests that you have a herniated disc, you probably won't need other tests. But if your doctor needs more information, you may have an MRI or a CT scan. Your doctor may order one of these if:

• Your medical history and physical exam suggest a more serious condition. (This could include a tumor, an infection, or severe nerve damage.)
• Your leg pain and other symptoms don't get better after 6 weeks of nonsurgical treatment.

Other tests, such as blood tests, may be done to rule out other conditions.

Some tests are done to give your doctor more information. They aren't used as often as an MRI or a CT scan. These tests may include:

• An electromyogram and nerve conduction test.
• A myelogram.
• A nerve block.

You can take steps to reduce pain and strengthen your back. Here are some things to try:

• Rest in a comfortable position if you have severe pain. Otherwise, stay active.
• Take short walks on a level surface every 2 to 3 hours.
• Using heat or ice for pain. There is not strong evidence that either heat or ice will help, but you can try them to see if they help you.
• Do exercises that your doctor or physical therapist suggests. These may include core stabilization exercises, which can help you strengthen the muscles of your trunk to protect your back.
• Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of a disc injury.
• Improve your posture. Slumping or slouching alone may not cause low back pain. But after the back has been strained or injured, bad posture can make pain worse.