Cervical discHerniated discs occur when the disc between two vertebrae ruptures and puts pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This may occur anywhere along the spinal column.

What causes a herniated disc?

The main cause of a herniated disc is deterioration of the disc itself. Age and other related changes can cause the disc to lose its elasticity and possibly rupture.

When this rupture occurs, the disc protrudes out of its normal boundary and may impinge on the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Lumbar discWhat does it feel like?

Some symptoms include:

• Pain
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs (depending on the location of the herniation)
• Electrical shock sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Bowel or bladder incontinence (in severe cases)

How do I know if I have a herniated disc?

Your physician will perform a physical examination as well as order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT) scan, or myelogram to confirm the presence of a herniated disc.

How are herniated discs treated?

The treatment of herniated discs is dependent upon the symptoms that the patient is experiencing.

Usually conservative treatments such as rest, ice, medication, and physical therapy are tried first. If these are not successful at treating the symptoms, the physician may prescribe a trial of epidural steroid injections.

Surgery will be considered if the aforementioned treatments are ineffective.