Slipped disc, herniated disc, bulging disc, there are many terms out there describing what’s going on with the soft, shock absorbing structures between our spinal vertebrae.  When a disc is herniated and symptomatic, it can be debilitating for the patient, affecting their quality of life, ability to work and causing both local and shooting pain into their extremities. 

Almost 5% of low back pain is caused by an acute, symptomatic disc herniation. These acute disc injuries account for what is thought to be the most common cause of nerve root or sciatica pain.

Here’s a thorough look at what are spinal disc injuries and who is at higher risk for these injuries.  It is important to understand what is going on so you can make informed choices about your healthcare needs and get started on your recovery.

What are the basics about spinal discs and their injuries?

Spinal discs are the shock absorbers between each bony vertebrae of the spine. Each disc consists of a thick, liquid-like middle called the nucleus. This liquid is surrounded by layers of fibrous connective tissue called the annular fibers. The middle/nucleus is the major shock absorber, whereas the annular part is the structure that securely fixes each vertebrae in place, while allowing bending and turning movements. These 2 structures need to act in concert for a healthy, stable spine, along with multiple other support tissues.

Disc bulges are when the edges of the disc extend beyond the edges of the bones (around more than half of the disc). These are generally asymptomatic and not clinically relevant in most cases. Bulging discs are not a form of disc herniation, but they show up often on imaging like an MRI, so you may have heard that you have one; almost 50% of adults have at least one bulging disc.

Disc herniations are when the middle of the disc gets pushed out through tears in the annular fibers either partially or completely. If the disc material is fully pushed out and is uncontained in the spinal canal, it is more likely to put pressure on adjacent nerve roots and create an inflammatory response, irritating the nerve roots and can cause the symptoms described above.   

Who gets acute disc herniations?

The highest incidence of acute disc herniations is in men in the 30-40 year age group. These herniations are usually in the lower lumbar region due to their importance in bearing the bulk of the body’s weight, but can also happen in the neck. Only 1 out of 3 people report an acute onset to their symptoms and most had a previous history of low back and/or leg pain.

Some risk factors for disc herniations are:

  • Male
  • Genetics
  • Smoking
  • Chronic cough
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Jobs involving standing, walking, lifting, driving
  • Repetitive lifting and twisting
  • Sedentary occupation
  • Night shift work
  • High stress

Symptoms of a herniated disc

The onset of symptoms is usually back pain first, with leg symptoms that develop days to weeks later. The general pattern we see is disc-related symptoms in the back and nerve-related into the leg/foot.

  • Disc-related Symptoms: decreased range of motion, pain when sitting, pain with coughing/straining, pain with bending forward
  • Nerve-related symptoms in the leg: shooting pain below knee, pain and/or paresthesias (numbness, tingling) into the leg and foot, weakness. 

While sitting may be poorly tolerated, it’s possible that laying down may give some relief.

If you are experiencing back and/or leg pain, you may have a herniated disc. Whether your disc herniation can be treated with conservative interventions or if surgery is needed your chiropractor can provide an evaluation so you can begin your road to recovery.

To book a chiropractic appointment with Dr. Kathryn Baker click here or email us at info@evolvevancouver.ca.

Please note that any advice in this article doesn’t replace personalized medical advice from a professional.