What is it?
Discs sit between the bones of your spine. Discs act as shock absorbers and allow movement of the spine. Each of the discs has an interior liquid matrix wrapped in a tough fibrous layer. A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer tears and the soft interior bulges or leaks out. A herniated disc, because of its proximity to the spinal cord a herniated disc is likely to compress or irritate a nerve. Nerve compression and inflammation can cause pain, weakness, inflammation and numbness.
Causes
Most discs herniate from trauma or from wear and tear degeneration with age. Carrying extra weight can stress your discs and increase your risk of injury.
What are the symptoms?
Commonly, a herniated disc in the neck will produce neck pain that radiates into the trapezius, shoulder blades, and arm.
Diagnosis
The Compass Pain and Spine can diagnose a herniated disc during a comprehensive history and physical examination. In addition, we may also request diagnostic tests such as an MRI or CT scan.