About the Author

PT Health Care Solutions is one of the fastest growing health care companies in Canada. We offer our patients more then 75 Orthopedic Physiotherapy clinics, Occupational Therapy, Chiropody, Sports Medicine, Athletic Therapy, Massage Therapy, and more, throughout Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia.

See All Posts by This Author

Disc Herniation Symptoms Explained

January 27th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Filed Under: Back Pain • Latest Article

Tags: disc herniation symptoms

A recent study reported that low back pain is the second most frequent reason for visits to the physician*.

A sizeable percentage of these same people who suffer from back pain issues present with painful disc herniation symptoms.  So, in today’s article, let’s take a look a closer look at disc herniation symptoms.

The Problem: Disc herniation is a condition that relates to the spinal column. It can be caused from a one-time specific over load to the spine or can by cumulative (increasing) trauma or stress (for example, poor posture).

The “discs” of the spine are located between the vertebrae and have a soft centre. They allow the spine to move freely and also absorb shock.

Disc herniation symptoms occur when trauma to the spine causes the outer layer of the disc, which is made of tissue that resembles the consistency of an onion layer, cracks and break down.

When the outer layer is ruptured, the soft inner layer is vulnerable to “bulge” out and often pushes against the adjacent nerve root sometimes making disc herniation symptoms very painful.

This compression of the nerve root can cause many painful disc herniation symptoms such as pain down the leg. Depending on which vertebral level is injured will dictate where the pain or altered session follow.

In a young individual, the disc is soft and elastic, but like so many other structures in the body, the disc gradually looses its elasticity and is more vulnerable to injury and pain, making early disc herniation treatment upon onset very important.

Generally someone with this problem will often experience 2 common disc herniation symptoms:

- Intense pain, sometimes described as an electrical shock, in the back and/or leg.
- And a feeling of weakness in the leg, as if the leg is about to give way.

All of these symptoms are due to the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc. Achieving pain relief can be difficult.  By interfering with the pathway by which signals are sent from your brain out to your extremities and back to the brain, all of these disc herniation symptoms can be caused by a herniated disc pressing against the nerves.

* Meta-Analysis: Acupuncture for Low Back Pain, Eric Manheimer, MS; Adrian White, MD, BM, BCh; Brian Berman, MD; Kelly Forys, MA; and Edzard Ernst, MD, PhD, April 19, 2005, Volume 142 Issue 8, Pages 651-663.

Looking for an effective way to end your frustrating pain? Consider PT Health Physiotherapy! We deliver a non-surgical, natural, and safe therapy services to end painful injuries. Every day across Canada, more than 7,000 people trust PT Health to provide pain relief solutions for them. Why? Because we get results! Why not let us do the same for you too? Book a complimentary consultation today, and let's discuss how we can help you - feel great again! Learn More About Free Consultation Option Here

There Are 2 Responses So Far. »

1. 

   Comment by Michele Carter on 12 April 2009:

   I have been diagnosed with a herniated disc. The plan is a laminectomy disectomy. My problem is a L5. I first started having the problem when I started feeling intense pain down my left leg and foot. It started in the left buttocks. It increasingly became worse and worse until I could not get ua and stant without practically screaming. I had a CT scan and spinal x-rays and it showed the disc. I saw an orthopedic surgeon and he did not force me to have the surgery but asked me what steps I would like to take to relieve the pain. I was given some options and then the surgery. He discussed the risks and when I found out that it was rare but there was a remote chance of paralysis I came home and panicked and now I am scared to death. How would PT work to place a herniated disc back in place or what actually happens. I am on diaability for depression so my income is not very high. I am sure you likely know what one gets on that per month. Can you get back to me and give me some ideas. It would be greatly appreciated.
   Thankyou for your time.
   Regards,
   Michele Carter
2. 

   Comment by Dan on 17 September 2009:

   Hi Michele, I just had a laminectomy and fusion L4/L5 just on April 8 2009 and have to admit that the remote chance of paralysis is a scary thought, however the surgeons of today are very gifted and educated in the best possibble practices to perform these procedures on a regular basis. The post-op discomfort was mentally exhausting. I was in hospital on light physio program for 4 days following (could not wait to get out of there, uncomfortable and lacking sleep) they are not the most comfortable place to be. You will require assistance of some sort when you return home if you decide to early. (I hope someone will be willing to help you out) As soon as I got home and had my first great nights sleep in a week (10 Hrs, nothing beats your own bed) I woke up the next day with a new positive outlook and what would seem at the time a new set of legs! I am still continuing physio @ home and with the help of family and friends my recovery is coming in leaps and bounds.My sutures were removed yesterday and can’t wait to get back into normal everyday activities. Was just floating around the net and stumbled upon your post, thought you may need to hear a positive outcome for this procedure and I wish you all the best in whatever decision you decide to make.

   Good Luck
   Dan 30yrs
   Australia

Post a Response