A herniated disc occurs when the discs of soft tissue between the vertebrae of your spine collapse, bulge, or rupture. These discs, which act as cushions between the bones of your spine, can break down over time due to aging, injury, or strain. As they lose their ability to absorb shock, the discs may put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of back pain.
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What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped, bulging, or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves and lead to pain, numbness, or weakness.
However, some people with a herniated disc experience no symptoms at all.
The most common location for a herniated disc is the lumbar spine (lower back), but they can also occur in the cervical spine (neck) and, less frequently, in the thoracic spine (upper-to-mid back).
What causes a herniated disc?
Herniated discs often result from age-related wear and tear, known as disc degeneration. Other causes include:
- Genetic predisposition to disc degeneration.
- Poor posture and prolonged sitting.
- Repetitive strain from frequent bending, lifting, or twisting.
- Spinal injury from trauma or accidents.
- Sudden heavy lifting without proper technique.
What are herniated disc risk factors and complications?
Herniated disc risk factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a herniated disc, including:
- Age — Most common in people aged 30-50.
- Excess weight — Increases pressure on spinal discs.
- Gender — More common in men than women.
- Physically demanding jobs — Especially those involving repetitive lifting, pushing, or twisting.
- Sedentary lifestyle — Sitting for extended periods can weaken spinal discs.
- Smoking — Reduces oxygen supply to discs, causing them to deteriorate more quickly.
Herniated disc complications
Most herniated discs cause pain and discomfort that improve gradually over time or with treatment. Serious complications of a herniated disc are rare, but may include:
- Back or leg pain that doesn't go away.
- Difficulty moving or loss of feeling in your legs and feet.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Permanent injury to your spinal cord (rare).
How can I prevent a herniated disc?
Although aging is the primary cause of disc degeneration, you can take steps to reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding prolonged sitting and taking breaks to stand and stretch.
- Exercising regularly to strengthen your back and core muscles.
- Lifting properly by bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on your spine.
- Practicing good posture while sitting and standing.
How common is a herniated disc?
Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of back and leg pain. The National Institutes of Health estimates that up to 2 percent of U.S. adults experience a herniated disc each year. Ninety-five percent of cases occur in the lumbar spine.
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Herniated Disc?
Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the affected disc. Common symptoms may include:
- Inability to find a comfortable position — Pain may worsen when sitting or lying down.
- Neck pain and stiffness — Difficulty moving your head in cases of cervical disc herniation.
- Numbness or tingling — Sensations in the legs, feet, arms, or hands.
- Pain — Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, thigh, or calf.
- Weakness — Muscle weakness that may cause difficulty lifting objects or walking.
When should I see a doctor about my herniated disc symptoms?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (a potential sign of cauda equina syndrome).
- Severe leg weakness or difficulty walking.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unrelenting pain or pain that worsens at night.
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How Do You Diagnose a Herniated Disc?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. They may assess:
- Areas of numbness or tingling.
- Pain response to specific movements.
- Reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion.
Imaging tests for herniated disc
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order imaging tests, including:
- CT scan — Offers cross-sectional views of your spine.
- Electromyogram (EMG) — Measures nerve function and detects nerve damage.
- MRI — Provides detailed images of spinal discs and nerve compression.
- Myelogram — Uses contrast dye to enhance spinal cord imaging.
- X-ray — Rules our fractures or bone abnormalities.
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How Do You Treat a Herniated Disc?
Most people recover with nonsurgical treatments. However, surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen.
Nonsurgical treatments for a herniated disc
Nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Activity modification — Avoid heavy lifting and prolonged sitting.
- Epidural steroid injection — Reduces inflammation and relieves pain for weeks to months.
- Pain medication — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxers, or nerve pain medications.
- Physical therapy — Exercises to strengthen the back, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Surgical treatment for a herniated disc
If conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgical options include:
- Laminectomy — Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on your nerves.
- Microdiscectomy — Minimally invasive removal of the herniated portion of the disc.
- Spinal fusion — Fuses two vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
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Why Choose UPMC for Herniated Disc Treatment?
At UPMC, our expert neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine specialists offer advanced, patient-centered care for herniated discs. We provide:
- Comprehensive nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
- Minimally invasive procedures for faster recovery.
- Personalized physical therapy and pain management programs.
- State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic services.
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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-05-16.
