A herniated disc occurs when the spinal discs bulge out, while a pinched nerve is caused by surrounding tissues compressing the nerves. They often present with similar pain and discomfort, but they have different causes.
Aging, heavy lifting, and repetitive motion are common causes that can damage your spinal column. In fact, research shows that nearly 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Non-surgical methods like physical therapy and medications can be so effective, and in severe cases, surgical procedures might be necessary. Study shows that about 90% of patients improve with conservative treatment .
For this reason, I’m here to explain the herniated disc or pinched nerve differences, symptoms to look out for and treatment options.
Herniated Discs and Pinched Nerves
Herniated discs and pinched nerves cause ongoing pain in the neck and back and can disrupt daily life if not addressed. These are big problems.
When a spinal disc bulges out of its outer layer this is called a herniated disc which can cause discomfort due to spinal nerve compression. When there is too much pressure on a nerve by adjacent structures this is called a pinched nerve.
Although these are different conditions they often present with similar symptoms and can be treated similarly.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition where the inner part of the spinal disc pushes out of the tough outer layer. This can be due to natural wear and tear, sudden injury or repeated stress on the spine and can cause a lot of pain.
As the disc displaces into the spinal canal (a bulging disc) it can put pressure on the nearby nerves. The nerve compression is what causes the pain and other symptoms associated with both herniated discs and overall disc herniation.
As we age our spinal discs dry out and lose their elasticity making them more prone to damage from even slight stress or twisting. Heavy lifting or sudden trauma can force the internal parts of the disc out of its outer layer and rupture.
These activities increase the risk of developing a herniated disc which can progress to full blown herniation.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
Excessive pressure on a spinal nerve by surrounding structures such as bones, cartilage, tendons or muscles can cause a pinched nerve.
This compression disrupts the normal functioning of the nerve and can cause numbness, tingling, pain or weakness.
Pinched nerves occur due to:
- Nerve compression from herniated discs
- Bone spurs
- Arthritis
- Repetitive movements
Symptoms of pinched nerves include sharp or burning pain that radiates outwards from where it starts the affected area. Muscle weakness and sensory deficit are also common.
Herniated Discs and Pinched Nerves in lower back
A herniated disc and a pinched nerve in the lower back are related but not the same. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves.
This can cause sharp or radiating pain, commonly felt in the lower back, buttocks, and down the leg, a condition known as sciatica. In addition to pain, symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. Herniated discs often result from aging, heavy lifting, or sudden injuries.
Next one ?
A pinched nerve, on the other hand, happens when a nerve is compressed due to factors like a herniated disc, bone spurs, or inflammation. This compression can lead to localized pain in the lower back or radiating pain down the legs, along with tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
Common causes include spinal stenosis, arthritis, or tight muscles pressing on nerves. In many cases, a pinched nerve in the lower back is caused by a herniated disc, but other conditions can also lead to nerve compression.
A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc weakens and bulges out without rupturing and is a precursor to a herniated disc.
Pressure from a herniated disc on the surrounding nerve tissue can cause nerve compression which is a pinched nerve. Contributors are aging, repetitive motions, injuries or heavy lifting.
Now that we know what herniated discs and pinched nerves are let’s get into their causes.
Below are the causes for each.
Common Causes of Herniated Discs
Degenerative disc disease and the natural aging process are the most common causes of herniated discs especially in the lumbar spine and disc herniations.
- Aging and Degeneration: Over time, our spinal discs dry out and lose their flexibility, increasing the risk of herniation.
- Improper Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects without proper technique can accelerate spinal disc wear-and-tear, potentially resulting in herniation.
- Trauma to the Spine: Injuries can cause tiny ruptures within a disc’s outer shell, allowing the internal content to protrude.
- Genetic Predispositions: Your genes may play a role in the health of your spinal discs.
- Physical Activity Levels: Both excessive and insufficient physical activity can impact spinal disc health.
Factors that affect spinal discs are age related changes, genetic predisposition, physical traumas experienced by individuals and physical activity level.
Causes of Pinched Nerves
Many factors can cause pinched nerves, often due to surrounding structures applying pressure. Bone spurs which are bony growths at the edges of joints also contribute to nerve compression and is associated with arthritic conditions that affect nerve function and cause symptoms of a pinched nerve.
Here are some common contributors to nerve compression:
- Bone Spurs: These are bony enlargements at the edges of joints, often associated with arthritic conditions. They can adversely affect nerve functionality by inducing symptoms characteristic of a pinched nerve.
- Repetitive Movements: Certain repetitive actions linked with specific jobs or physical activities can cause spine-related strain. Continuous actions involving bending, twisting, or lifting may predispose you to developing herniated discs or experiencing pinched nerves.
- Herniated or Bulging Discs: A prevalent source leading to compressed nerves is either a herniated disc or a bulging disc within the spine.
Herniated Discs vs Pinched Nerves
The main difference between a herniated disc and a pinched nerve is that a herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc leaks out and presses on nearby nerves.
A pinched nerve, on the other hand, happens when a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues like bones, muscles, or tendons. While both conditions can cause similar pain, a herniated disc directly involves the disc, whereas a pinched nerve involves nerve compression.
There are key differences that can help you identify each.
| Aspect | Herniated Disc | Pinched Nerve |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Displaced disc presses on nearby nerves. | Nerve gets compressed by surrounding tissues. |
| Location | Typically in the spine (lower back or neck). | Can happen anywhere in the body where nerves are compressed. |
| Pain Type | Sharp or burning pain, often radiating. | Numbness, tingling, or sharp pain. |
| Symptoms | Pain, weakness, numbness in limbs, muscle spasms. | Pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in affected area. |
| Common Causes | Aging, injury, heavy lifting, poor posture. | Pressure from swelling, muscle tightness, or injury. |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, medication, in severe cases, surgery. | Rest, ice, physical therapy, sometimes surgery. |
To understand these conditions better let’s look at the symptoms.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs
Herniated discs usually cause lower back pain. This pain radiates down to the leg when the sciatic nerve is involved and is often accompanied by muscle weakness.
If it’s in the cervical spine it can cause neck pain that radiates to the shoulders and arms.
Common symptoms are intense pain that travels to areas where the affected nerves are present and numbness or pins and needles.
During an exam the doctor will check for sensitivity in your back and muscle strength and reflexes to determine the severity of the symptoms.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
Compressed nerves cause a sharp or burning sensation that radiates from the affected area. Common symptoms are prickling, weakness, numbness, darting pain and reduced sensation.
Doing certain activities like coughing or sneezing can worsen these symptoms and make daily activities difficult.
Read More : Muscle Strain or Pinched Nerve: Key Differences and Symptoms Explained
Diagnosis
A herniated disc may require specific tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Healthcare professionals use a combination of physical exam and diagnostic imaging to identify the underlying causes and create personalized treatment plans.
Of course, physical exam checks pain levels and range of motion, CT scans give detailed views of the spine. Below are the diagnostic techniques.
Physical Exam
Physical exam is important to identify herniated discs and compressed nerves. Doctors check areas of pain, sensations and restrictions of motion to determine an individual’s condition. Pain exam is a key to treatment decisions and solutions.
As you can see, selective nerve root blocks with steroids and anesthetics can control pain and identify the exact cause of the affected spinal nerve roots.
Sounds good, right?
These diagnostic procedures help create a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Imaging Tests
CT scans give detailed cross sectional views of the spine to detect herniated discs and where the nerves are compressed. MRIs determine the exact location of the herniated discs and which nerves are involved.
Myelograms inject dye into the spinal fluid before imaging. This gives a clear view of the spine’s structure to aid diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for Herniated Discs and Pinched Nerves
Once diagnosed with herniated discs and pinched nerves there are several treatment options. These treatments are to relieve pain and improve function.
The options include non surgical approaches that focus on pain management and functional improvement.
In extreme cases where non surgical interventions don’t work surgical options may be considered.
Non Surgical Treatments
Non surgical approaches are key when dealing with herniated discs and pinched nerves. Instead of prolonged bed rest physical therapy encourages movement which helps to strengthen and stretch while healing.
Other approaches include heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, acupuncture for pain relief, low impact aerobics and follow medication schedule and avoid activities that aggravate the discomfort of the disc.
Surgical Treatments
For extreme cases where non surgical approaches don’t work surgical interventions are considered. Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses smaller cuts and less tissue dissection to relieve pressure on the nerves from herniated discs.
Other surgical options include discectomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion surgery. The goal of these surgeries is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root in the spine and to stabilize and stop the pain. Each procedure’s pros and cons should be discussed with a doctor before proceeding.
Post Treatment Care
Follow doctor’s instructions on physical activity and daily tasks during the post treatment period. For comfort while recovering individuals may need to avoid prolonged periods of certain positions especially sitting or standing.
Because of this, follow medication and avoid activities that aggravate spinal nerve pain to have a smooth convalescence.
Long Term Management
Lifestyle changes like weight reduction can reduce the stress on the spine.
Hot and cold therapy, following lifestyle changes and techniques to manage spinal nerve pain can improve well being and reduce the risk of future pain episodes. These can help keep the spine healthy and prevent future problems.
Apply what you learned and make wise decisions about your health especially with herniated disc or herniated disk.
