A slipped disk can occur in any part of the spine, starting from the neck to the lower back. However, it is the lower back where this condition commonly occurs. The spinal column is a complex arrangement of blood vessels and nerves. Thus, once a slipped disk is present in the area, pressure along the muscles and nerves is present as well. As for symptoms, a slipped disk comes with several symptoms. But, the primary ones are back pain as well as sciatica.
The Top 2 Symptoms of a Slipped Disk
1. Back Pain
Back pain is one of the slipped disk symptoms that can occur because of several factors. However, it cannot be said that all people experiencing back pain in their lower back are suffering from a slipped disk. Only 1 out of 25 people is said to have the condition among the rest who are experiencing lower back pain. But, if a patient has a slipped disk, the pain is possibly caused by the pressure being placed against a nerve. This symptom can start in several ways. The patient may start feeling pain in the lower back after doing something they are not used to.
Pain is possible to be experienced after raking leaves, especially if it is a task the patient is not used to doing. Then, as the hours pass, this pain will get worse to the point the patient will no longer be able to move easily. There are also cases when the patient can experience a sudden severe pain. The pain being felt can get serious and when it does, it can affect the person’s normal activities. In such case, it would help to see a professional practitioner to take a look at the case.
2. Sciatica
This is the kind of pain being felt which spreads down up to the buttocks and legs. Sometimes, there can be pain in the thighs and feet too. But, whenever pain is felt, it is always just in one side. Other than pain in a particular area, numbness, tingling and numbness can also be felt. These slipped disk symptoms only indicate that pressure is being put on a sciatic nerve caused by the damaged disk. The pain can spread through the legs and feet since it is the same route where the nerve travels. This pain may occur at the same time back pain is felt or later.
Experiencing this symptom will make you uncomfortable to even sit down, bend over or stand up. Lifting the affected leg while lying down can also be hard. This is one of the tests that doctors do to diagnose the symptoms. If you are experiencing this symptom, try relieving it by getting in a comfortable position. Just be reminded that not all patients with this symptom can mean that they have a slipped disk as well. There are chances that you are also experiencing this symptom not because of the condition, but due to other problems.
As it was said, pain is one of the slipped disk symptoms. This symptom, specifically its severity, varies from one person to another. Whatever related slipped disk symptoms you experience, it is always recommended to talk to your doctor first immediately.