Signs and Symptoms of a Slipped Disc in Lower Back: How To Treat!?

Our Top Solutions
1. Recognizing the Symptoms	2. Understanding the Pain
3. Numbness or Tingling Sensation	4. Weakness in Muscles
5. Expert Opinions	6. Risk Factors
7. Treatment Options	8. Decompression Belt

1. Recognizing the Symptoms

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, can cause various symptoms. These symptoms can vary depending on the location of the slipped disc.

1.1 Location of Pain

If your slipped disc is in your lower back, you'll typically feel pain in your lower back, buttocks, thigh, and calf. You might also have pain in part of your foot.

1.2 Sudden, Severe Back Pain as First Sign

The first sign of a slipped disc is often sudden, severe back pain. This pain can be quite intense and may come on suddenly.

1.3 Dull or Throbbing Lower Back Pain

In addition to sudden severe pain, a slipped disc can also cause dull or throbbing lower back pain. This type of pain may persist and can be quite uncomfortable.

1.4 Pain Extending Down One Leg (Sciatic Nerve Irritation)

If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel pain extending down one leg. This is due to the irritation of the sciatic nerve and is often referred to as sciatica.

1.5 Discomfort Radiating to Thighs, Buttocks, or Legs

A herniated disc in the lower back sometimes causes discomfort that radiates to your thighs, buttocks, or legs. This is because it's pressing on the nerve that connects to those areas.

2. Understanding the Pain

The pain associated with a slipped disc can be quite distinctive.

2.1 Nature of Pain

The pain is often described as sharp or burning. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze, or move into certain positions.

2.2 Pain Aggravated by Movement

The pain caused by a slipped disc can be aggravated by movement. Certain movements such as bending over or twisting your spine can make the pain worse.

2.3 Symptoms Worsening When Getting Up from a Seated Position

Symptoms of a slipped disc can worsen when getting up from a seated position. This could be due to increased pressure on the affected area during this movement.

2.4 Pain Eased by Lying Still, Worsened by Moving Back, Coughing or Sneezing

You may find that the pain caused by a slipped disc can be eased by lying still, but it can be made worse if you move your back, cough or sneeze.

3. Numbness or Tingling Sensation

People who have a slipped disc often experience numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.

4. Weakness in Muscles

Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This can cause you to stumble, or affect your ability to lift or hold items.

5. Expert Opinions

According to HSS spine surgeon James E. Dowdell III, MD, "I can usually figure out which disc is slipped just by a patient’s description of where their pain and weakness are located". This highlights the importance of accurately describing your symptoms to your healthcare provider.

6. Risk Factors

Factors that can increase the risk of a herniated disk include excess body weight and physically demanding jobs. Smoking can also increase the risk as it can make the outer ring and the nucleus pulposus break down.

7. Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available for a slipped disc.

7.1 Medications

Nonprescription pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) may be recommended by your doctor.

7.2 Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may also be recommended to help manage the symptoms and improve mobility.

7.3 Decompression Belt

One treatment option that stands out is the use of a decompression belt. This belt works by gently stretching the spine, relieving pressure on compressed nerves in the spine. It's a risk-free solution that can be easily used at home for immediate relief.