Common Herniated Disc Symptoms

A herniated disc is a fairly common cause of back pain. Herniated discs are most common in the lower back, or the lumbar spine, but they can also occur in the upper back, also known as the thoracic spine. The herniated disc symptoms vary depending upon its location.

While diagnostic imaging is necessary to diagnose a herniated disc, there are a few common herniated disc symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend contacting your Denver chiropractor immediately to avoid further pain and damage, and to create a herniated disc treatment plan which would incorporate spinal correction. 

Herniated Disc Symptoms – Lumbar Disc

Approximately 90% of herniated discs occur in the area known as L4-L5 and L5-S1. This results in pain in the L5 or S1 that radiates along the sciatic nerve and causes leg pain. If you have a herniated disc at L4-L5, you’ll likely experience sciatica pain, weakness when lifting the big toe and possible numbness and pain on top of your foot.

A herniated disc at L5-S1 usually causes compression of the S1 nerve, resulting in sciatica, weakness when standing on your toes, and pain and numbness that radiate into the sole of your foot.

Herniated Disc Symptoms – Cervical Disc

Herniated cervical discs are less common than herniated lumbar discs. Patients suffering from this condition may experience weakness in the deltoid muscle located in the upper arm or shoulder pain. A herniated disc may also cause weakness in the biceps, pain numbness or tingling that radiates to the thumb side of the hand, weakness in the triceps or weakness when gripping. The exact symptoms vary depending upon the location of the herniated disc and the severity.

Chiropractic Treatment for Herniated Discs in Denver

Visit your local Denver chiropractor for relief from the herniated disc symptoms. To schedule a consultation for herniated disc treatment, please contact Denver South Chiropractic today by calling 303-757-7272.