Other Names for Herniated Disc: Herniated Disk, Disc Hernia, Ruptured Disc, Prolapsed Disc and herniated nucleus pulposus , herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), disc displacement, displaced disc, compressed disc, crushed disc

Definition of Herniated Disc:
In between the vertebra of the spine are discs made soft sponge-like material in a somewhat harder shell.   A disc herniation occurs when the disc breaks (or ruptures) letting the material escape into the spinal canal.  The escaped material may press against one or more nerves causing extreme pain, numbness and or tingling that sometimes radiates down the leg or even into the feet

Symptoms
Any or all of the following:

• Pain or muscle spasm in the back, sometimes causing the spine to deviate.
• Pain into one (or very occasionally) both legs - especially if it seems to run down a line.  The pain can be constant or flare suddenly with movement. 
• Tingling or numbness in the buttocks, leg or foot.
• Weakness in the leg or foot

Caused By
Can be caused by a sudden trauma or injury, by prolonged sitting or incorrect posture, or by repetitive lifting or back strain

Identification and Diagnosis
Usually diagnosed based on symptoms and confirmed using an MRI

Treatment
Varies according to the size of the herniated disc and symptoms - can include Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Exercise, Chiropractor, Aquatic (water) Therapy, McKenzie Technique, Epidural Steroids, Pain Medication, and/or Spine Surgery

I have no relationship with the solutions I describe and created this site purely to inspire others to go take control of their own back care and to provide some ideas of treatments to discuss with your doctor. If you find this website useful, please add a link to it from your website or blog.