What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Understanding the common causes of herniated discs is essential for both prevention and proper treatment. Most cases result from a combination of age-related changes and physical stress placed on the spine. As we age, spinal discs gradually lose moisture and flexibility, making them more prone to tearing or rupturing under pressure — a process known as disc degeneration.

Everyday wear and tear plays a role, too. Repetitive movements, such as bending, twisting, or heavy lifting, can place significant stress on the spine, contributing to the risk. In some cases, a single injury, like a fall or sudden impact, can be enough to trigger a herniated disc.

Genetics, poor posture, and long periods of sitting or inactivity can increase the risk of getting a herniated disc. Other risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Connective tissue disorders
• Diabetes
• Smoking

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Depending on the exact location and severity of a disc herniation, the specific herniated disc symptoms can vary. Some people may have intense pain, while others may not have any noticeable symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they’re usually a result of the disc pressing on a nearby nerve. The most common herniated disc symptoms include:

• Localized lower back or neck pain
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness in the affected limb
• Pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting
• Shooting pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica) or arm

You may also experience pain on one side of the body or sharp pain in a part of the leg, hips, or buttocks. Pain or numbness on the back of the calf or the sole of the foot is also common.

The specific part of the spine that is affected by the herniated disc can influence what type of symptoms you have and how they feel. For example:

• Lumbar spine (lower back): Radiating leg pain, weakness, or numbness, especially on one side.
• Cervical spine (neck): Pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms, often with tingling in the fingers. Some patients describe the pain as sharp or burning.
• Thoracic spine (upper back): Pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs.

In severe cases, limb paralysis or the loss of urinary or bowel control can occur. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away.

Diagnosing a Herniated Disc

Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward determining the best course of herniated disc treatment. The process starts by taking a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will evaluate your posture, muscle strength, reflexes, and mobility. They’ll also ask about when your symptoms first began, what activities or movements trigger them, and whether pain is radiating to any other parts of your body.

If your doctor suspects you have a herniated disc, they’ll use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess its severity. These may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The most common and detailed scan for evaluating disc damage and nerve compression.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Sometimes used when an MRI is not possible.
• X-rays: Helpful for ruling out other spinal issues, but don’t show herniated discs directly.

Other diagnostic tests , such as electromyography (EMG), myelogram, or nerve conduction velocity tests, can also be used to assess how well the nerves function and determine which nerve root is affected.

Comprehensive Treatments for Herniated Discs in Beverly Hills

Effective herniated disc treatment often begins with conservative, non-surgical methods. At The Spine Pro, Dr. Hooman Melamed emphasizes personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and treatment goals. His treatment plans may integrate elements of chiropractic care, acupuncture, and other non-invasive therapies to address both the physical and lifestyle factors contributing to pain. Key behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking, can help prevent further disc degeneration.

Dr. Melamed also favors non-opioid pain management strategies, helping patients find relief without relying on habit-forming medications. This approach is supported by studies that show patients who were prescribed opioids for a herniated disc were significantly more likely to undergo surgery, and over three times as likely to still be using opioids 4 years later, compared to those who were not.

When conservative methods aren’t enough, Dr. Melamed offers ultra-minimally invasive surgical options for treating herniated discs. These include microlaminotomy, which creates space for the disc by removing a small portion of bone, and discectomy, where the herniated portion of the disc is removed. In cases of severe instability, spinal fusion may be recommended.

Schedule a Visit With Dr. Hooman Melamed

Hooman M. Melamed is an internationally recognized orthopedic spine surgeon in Beverly Hills who specializes in ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic and microscopic spinal surgeries. If you’re suffering from a herniated disc, Dr. Melamed can help. Request an appointment online today and take the first step toward relief with compassionate, cutting-edge care.