Herniated Discs: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Options

Your intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and allow your spine to bend and twist. Each disc is made of a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) that protects the soft inner gel (nucleus pulposus).

A herniated disc happens when the gel protrudes through the outer ring and irritates nearby nerves. 

Depending on which nerves are irritated, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in your back, neck, arms, or legs. 

At Link Neuroscience Institute, our team of experts routinely diagnoses and treats herniated discs. If you’re struggling with the telltale signs of a herniated disc, we encourage you to reach out to get the care you need.

In the meantime, read on as we explain what causes herniated discs, how to tell if you have one, and what treatments can bring you relief.

4 causes of herniated discs

You might develop a herniated disc if:

1. You sustain age-related wear-and-tear

A healthy disc is about 10 millimeters thick, which is enough to provide ample cushion in your spine. As you age, though, your discs lose some of their water content. Unfortunately, this makes them less flexible and more prone to tearing.

2. You injure your back

Lifting heavy objects improperly or experiencing a sudden impact can push disc material out of place. 

To reduce your risk of injury, always practice safe lifting techniques.

3. Repetitive strain

Activities that place constant stress on your spine, such as certain sports or physical labor, can contribute to disc problems.

According to a 2024 study, up to 46% of weightlifters had disc herniations detected on X-ray. Weightlifters aren’t the only athletes at risk. Golf, football, and gymnastics can also place significant stress on your spine. 

If you play sports that put strain on your spine, always follow proper technique, use good form, and adhere to all safety guidelines to protect your back and reduce the risk of sports injury.

Genetics

Some people may be more prone to disc issues due to hereditary factors. Changes in the COL11A1, COL11A2, and COL11A3 genes, which help make important cartilage in your spine, can increase your risk of disc herniation by weakening your discs over time.

Symptoms of herniated discs

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation, but may include:

• Localized back or neck pain
• Pain that radiates to your arms or legs
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the limbs
• Muscle spasms or difficulty moving

When nerves are damaged, they can cause symptoms anywhere along their path. That’s why, for example, a herniated disc in your neck can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand, while a damaged disc in your lower back may cause similar symptoms in your leg or even your foot.

Relief options 

While it’s no secret that herniated discs can cause immense pain, the good news is that you have plenty of treatment options, including both nonsurgical and surgical options. 

Nonsurgical options

For many people, herniated disc symptoms can improve with conservative treatments, such as:

• Physical therapy 
• Medications 
• Lifestyle modifications 

You may also need to take a break from certain sports and activities until your disc heals. Our team can help you safely return to your sport in a safe time frame. 

Minimally invasive options

If your symptoms are resistant to noninvasive approaches, you may consider additional options, including pain injections and other interventional pain management procedures that target nerve signaling in the affected area.

Surgical options 

When nonsurgical methods are insufficient, minimally invasive spine surgery may provide lasting relief. Some surgical options include:

• Laminotomy, a surgery that removes part of the vertebral arch to relieve pressure 
• Laminectomy, a surgery that removes the entire vertebral arch and often includes a discectomy to free compressed nerves
• Disc replacement to replace your damaged disc with an artificial one
• Spinal fusion, which stabilizes the spine by permanently joining two vertebrae after discectomy

Your Link Neuroscience Institute surgeon may recommend other specialized procedures depending on your specific condition.

Don’t let a herniated disc hold you back. Call our office or use the online scheduling link to arrange your appointment today in Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California.