Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms
There are many reasons you could be having lower back pain. There are a ton of indications of herniated disc symptoms, such as sciatica. However, they can vary.
You may have moderate pain in the back and buttocks or a more widespread weakness and numbness, and it’s good to know the symptoms. This way, you can avoid severe complications for effective pain relief treatment.
So, most herniated lumbar disc pain eases within six weeks. However, this does not make it any less painful. In fact, it can make it harder to perform daily activities. In some cases, the pain can be debilitating.
Also, see What Should You Avoid when Living with a Herniated Disc?
Common Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms
The most common characteristics of lumbar herniated disc pain include:
Quick onset: Lumbar herniated disc pain appears suddenly. There is not always an identifiable action to trigger pain.
Leg pain: This is usually worse than back pain. It can radiate along the sciatic nerve, called sciatica or radiculopathy.
Nerve pain: Nerve pain in the legs is normal. And nerve pain symptoms are sharp, electric, radiating, or piercing.
Neurological symptoms: This includes numbness, weakness, or tingling. Some describe it as pins-and-needles. The leg, feet, and toes are often affected.
Variable locations: The pain location can vary. This depends on the degree of disc herniation. It also depends on where it has herniated and if it’s felt in the lower back or buttock and can be felt in the thigh, calf, or foot. Typically herniated disc pain affects one side of the body only.
Foot drop: When the nerves are impacted, foot drop can occur. This is difficulty lifting the foot when walking. It can also be hard to stand on the ball of your foot.
Back Pain Symptoms
Lower back pain: Often, this is described as a throbbing pain. However, it may also be accompanied by stiffness and muscle spasms. But, this can be alleviated with rest, ice, and heat. Additionally, you can also lay on your back with a pillow under your knees.
Pain with movement: Pain can worsen, especially the following movement or prolonged standing. As a matter of fact, laughing or sneezing may also cause intense pain.
Pain when hunching forward: Slouching and bending at the waist can make leg pain worse.
The pain will be more severe if the disc herniation is extensive. However, if a nerve’s not impacted, pain may be milder, and radiating pain may not occur. Sometimes, the discomfort will appear and go away after a few days. This is often the first sign of a herniated disc.
Dangerous Symptoms
There are some rare but dangerous symptoms to watch for. A cause for this can be cauda equina syndrome. Symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Loss of bladder control
- Weakness in both legs
- Numbness in the saddle area
Cauda equina syndrome causes pressure and nerve swelling at the end of the spinal column. It can lead to paralysis if not treated. You need to seek emergency medical treatment if you notice these symptoms.
So, if you suspect a herniated disc, or have back pain, call us today at 888-409-8006.