Overview
A herniated disc occurs when some of the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened area of the tougher outer ring. The herniated material can press on or irritate nearby nerves.
Depending on the location, a herniated disc can cause neck and arm symptoms or low back and leg symptoms such as sciatica. Many herniations shrink over time and symptoms often improve with conservative care.
Watch: Disc Herniation explained
Video: “Mayo Clinic Explains Herniated Disk” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Common symptoms
- Back or neck pain
- Pain that radiates into the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing or sitting
Causes and risk factors
- Age-related disc degeneration
- Lifting with poor mechanics
- Sudden twisting or strain
- Excess body weight
- Smoking
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms and a physical exam. Depending on what we find, your clinician may order X-rays, an MRI or CT scan, or nerve tests. Imaging findings are interpreted together with your exam, because many people have changes on an MRI that do not cause pain.
Treatment options
Care is stepped: most people start with self-care and physical therapy, and move to the next step only if pain continues. Some problems, such as nerve weakness, may skip ahead. Your exam, imaging and goals decide which options fit you.
Self-care and lifestyle
Most herniated discs improve within weeks to months. Stay active within comfort and avoid heavy lifting and long sitting early on.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy and short-term medicines may help while the disc settles.
Injections and nerve blocks
Epidural steroid injections or nerve root blocks may ease leg or arm pain from nerve irritation.
Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive disc decompression may be an option for selected contained herniations.
Surgical evaluation
Microdiscectomy (low back) or ACDF/disc replacement (neck) may be considered for persistent pain, weakness or nerve compression.
Learn how we approach care: our care philosophy · nonsurgical options · second opinions.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for new or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain after a significant fall or accident, or pain with fever or unexplained weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
Do herniated discs heal?
Many herniated discs shrink and symptoms improve within weeks to months. Your clinician will follow your progress.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery may be considered for severe or progressive weakness, symptoms that do not improve with conservative care, or emergency signs such as loss of bladder or bowel control.
Is a bulging disc the same as a herniated disc?
Not exactly. A bulge extends evenly beyond its normal border, while a herniation involves inner disc material pushing through the outer layer. Both are common on MRI and may or may not cause symptoms.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.