Herniated discs, which are also sometimes referred to as slipped discs, occur when a crack develops in one of the discs in the spine. Every spine has vertebrae, which are held together by discs that essentially act as shock absorbers. People become more prone to herniated discs as they get older, but they can also occur by repetitive motions placed on the spine over time, such as performing a certain task at a job site for years on end.
If you suffered an injury at work, you need to see a doctor immediately. Occasionally, herniated discs will not display any symptoms at all, so you need a professional to look at your spine to tell you if something is wrong. In the event you do not see a doctor, you need to remain vigilant of the common symptoms of herniated discs.
Numbness
Numbness or experiencing a tingling sensation in one specific area of the body is a common symptom of a herniated disc. The nerves affected by the slipped disc will go numb, and one body part will typically feel weaker.
Weakness
Damaged nerves can also impact your ability to carry out basic functions. An arm may be unable to lift items, or a leg may be more difficult to walk on.
Pain
Similarly, you may experience pain in an arm or leg. The pain may even shoot down all the way down to a foot, which doctors refer to as sciatica. The sensation may increase any time you move an area of your body, or when you sneeze.
Bowel or bladder dysfunction
Over time, a herniated disc can lead to a condition known as cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious medical condition in which the person has trouble urinating or is incontinent. This requires emergency medical attention, but most people can avoid it by seeing a doctor once the other symptoms develop.
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