Herniated Disc
A Herniated Disc can cause sharp back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, or discomfort that travels into your arms or legs. These symptoms may develop when a damaged spinal disc irritates nearby nerves. At MVM Health, our pain specialists evaluate your symptoms and recommend personalized herniated disc treatment options to help manage pain and improve mobility.
Book a visit with a pain specialist near you at one of our clinics in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, or Arizona.
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Meet Our Expert Team
Board Certified Expert
At MVM Health — Movement. Vitality. Medicine. — we are committed to providing exceptional pain, vein, and wellness services that empower individuals to reclaim their health and well-being. With our team of Harvard-trained experts, we strive to deliver transformative outcomes that restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life. MVM Health’s mission is to help every patient relieve discomfort, restore motion, and renew life.
Vwaire Orhurhu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Mariam Salisu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Peter Isaac, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ali Amin, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
THOMAS KHOURY, MD
Harvard Medical School
ANTHONY TURNER, MD
Yale School of Medicine
KIRAN C. TAMIRISA
Baylor College of Medicine
TARIQ ALFARRA, DO
JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL
Rishi Sheth, MD
University of Miami School of Medicine
Henry Onyeaka, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Felicia Todd, CNP
Moravian College
Carrie Ward, CNP
Franklin University
Kruti Solanki, CNP
Drexel University
Christy Daniels, CNP
Chamberlain University
Heerina Kittel, CNP
Maryville University
Vic Urbano, CNP
Walden University
Jameela Azeem, CNP
Hofstra University
Vwaire Orhurhu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Mariam Salisu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Peter Isaac, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ali Amin, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
THOMAS KHOURY, MD
Harvard Medical School
ANTHONY TURNER, MD
Yale School of Medicine
KIRAN C. TAMIRISA
Baylor College of Medicine
Rishi Seth, MD
University of Miami School of Medicine
Henry Onyeaka, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Felicia Todd, CNP
Moravian College
Vic Urbano, CNP
Walden University
Jameela Azeem, CNP
Hofstra University
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What Is Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its tougher outer layer. This can irritate or compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Herniated discs most commonly affect the lower back or neck.
Cervical vs. Lumbar Herniated Disc. A cervical herniated disc develops in the neck and may cause neck pain that spreads into the shoulders, arms, or hands. A lumbar herniated disc affects the lower back and may cause pain that travels into the buttocks, legs, or feet.
Bulging vs. Herniated Disc. A bulging disc extends beyond its normal boundaries without a focal rupture, while a herniated disc involves displaced inner disc material. Both can irritate nearby nerves, although some people experience no symptoms.
WHERE CAN A HERNIATED DISC OCCUR?
A herniated disc can develop in different parts of the spine, although it most commonly affects the neck and lower back. The location determines where pain, numbness, or weakness may occur.
NECK (CERVICAL SPINE)
A cervical herniated disc occurs in the neck and may press on nearby nerves. It can cause neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort that spreads into the shoulders, arms, or hands. Some people also experience tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
MID-BACK (THORACIC SPINE)
A thoracic herniated disc develops in the middle portion of the spine. Although less common, it may cause pain between the shoulder blades or discomfort that wraps around the chest or ribs. In some cases, nerve or spinal cord compression can affect sensation or movement.
LOWER BACK (LUMBAR SPINE)
A lumbar herniated disc affects the lower back and is one of the most common types. It may cause lower back pain that spreads into the buttocks, legs, or feet. Symptoms can include shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, especially when nearby nerves are irritated.
LOWER SPINE (LUMBOSACRAL REGION)
A herniated disc near the junction of the lumbar spine and sacrum, particularly at L5–S1, can irritate nerves traveling into the legs. Pain may extend through the buttocks and down the back of the leg, sometimes reaching the foot. Numbness, tingling, or weakness may also occur.
COMMON CAUSES OF HERNIATED DISC
Back pain can develop when muscles, spinal discs, joints, or nerves become strained, damaged, or irritated. Several common conditions and everyday activities can contribute to discomfort
AGE-RELATED DISC DEGENERATION
HEAVY LIFTING
REPETITIVE BENDING & TWISTING
SUDDEN INJURIES & ACCIDENTS
EXCESS BODY WEIGHT
PROLONGED SITTING
WEAK CORE MUSCLES
GENETIC PREDISPOSITION
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing a herniated disc
- Age: Spinal discs naturally lose flexibility and moisture over time.
- Excess Body Weight: Additional weight places greater pressure on spinal discs.
- Heavy Lifting: Repeated lifting or improper techniques can strain the spine.
- Repetitive Movements: Frequent bending, twisting, or lifting can contribute to disc wear.
- Smoking: Smoking may reduce nutrient supply to spinal discs and accelerate degeneration.
- Family History: Genetics may increase susceptibility to disc degeneration.
Symptoms of Herniated Disc
Symptoms depend on the affected disc and whether nearby nerves are irritated or compressed
- Sharp, aching, or burning pain in the neck or lower back.
- Pain spreading into the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
- Muscle weakness affecting grip strength or leg movement.
- Pain that worsens when bending, lifting, coughing, or sitting.
- Shooting pain traveling along an affected nerve.
- Difficulty standing, walking, or completing daily activities.
WHEN PAIN NEEDS URGENT CARE
Most herniated discs aren’t emergencies. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs.
- Sudden or worsening weakness in your arms, hands, or legs.
- Difficulty walking, maintaining balance, or coordinating movements.
- Severe neck or back pain after a car accident, fall, or other injury.
- Rapidly worsening numbness or loss of sensation in your arms or legs.
- Fever, chills, or feeling seriously unwell alongside severe back pain.
These symptoms may indicate serious nerve compression, spinal cord problems, infection, or another condition requiring urgent medical evaluation.
Book a Herniated Disc Pain Evaluation
HERNIATED DISC TREATMENT OPTIONS
Herniated disc treatment typically begins with non-surgical approaches to reduce nerve irritation and relieve pain. More advanced treatments may be recommended if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comprehensive Physical Therapy
EASING HERNIATED DISC PAIN AT HOME
If herniated disc pain persists, worsens, or causes increasing numbness or weakness, consult a pain specialist for evaluation. New bladder or bowel control problems or numbness around the groin require emergency medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
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