4 Telltale Signs of a Herniated Disc

It usually starts with something simple: A twist, a lift, or even just getting out of bed the wrong way. Suddenly, there’s sharp back pain, maybe shooting down a leg.

Did you just “tweak” your back, or is it something more serious?

If the pain persists or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or tingling, a herniated disc may be to blame.

Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of back and leg pain, especially in adults who sit a lot, lift regularly (or with bad form), or have had past back problems.

The good news? Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain can address most herniated discs without surgery, especially if you recognize the signs early. Here’s what you should know.

#1 Pain travels down a leg or arm

This is one of the biggest red flags. If the herniated disc is in your lower back, pain may radiate down your buttock, thigh, calf, or even to your foot (a condition known as sciatica). If the disc is in your neck, pain might radiate through your shoulder and into your arm.

Our patients often describe it as burning, electric, or shock-like.

#2 You have numbness, tingling, or pins and needles

When a disc presses on a nerve, it can interrupt normal sensory signals. You may experience numbness in certain areas or tingling that feels like static or pins and needles, typically appearing in the same areas where pain radiates, such as the foot, calf, fingers, or arm.

It may come and go or be constant. Either way, it’s a sign the nerve is irritated or compressed.

#3 You have weakness in your legs or arms

This is when things get serious. If a nerve stays compressed for too long, the muscles it controls can become weak. You might notice your grip isn’t as strong, your foot drags when you walk, or climbing stairs feels harder than normal.

Muscle weakness means the nerve signals aren’t reaching the muscle correctly, and you should see Dr. Wu as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage.

#4 Your pain gets worse with certain movements

With a herniated disc, pain often flares when you:

Sitting for too long
Bend, twist, or lift
Cough, sneeze, or laugh

Those movements increase pressure in your spine, which can irritate the disc and surrounding nerves. Lying down or walking slowly may help ease the pain, especially compared to prolonged sitting.

What’s an emergency?

Most herniated discs aren’t dangerous, but you should seek immediate care if you experience:

Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
Sudden, severe weakness in both legs

These could be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition that needs emergency treatment.

Diagnosing and treating a herniated disc

Your treatment journey starts with a physical exam, which includes checking reflexes, strength, range of motion, and identifying areas of numbness or pain. Imaging, like MRI or CT scans, helps confirm the diagnosis and determine which disc is affected.

Despite what you might think, most people experience improvement with nonsurgical treatment. Mild herniated discs may not need much intervention at all, and pain often gets better within a few weeks to a couple of months.

If you need treatment, your plan may include:

Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers
Physical therapy to strengthen core and back muscles
Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
Heat/ice therapy, activity modification, and stretching

We usually recommend surgery only if pain doesn’t improve, muscle weakness gets worse, or nerve compression becomes severe.

From recognition to relief

A herniated disc can be painful and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. If pain shoots down your leg or arm, you notice tingling or weakness, or certain movements exacerbate the pain, it’s time to get checked. Early treatment helps you heal faster and lowers your risk of long-term pain.

Ready to start your treatment journey? Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.