How To Know if You Have a Spinal Disc Problem

Every time a patient asks me how to tell if they have a spinal disc condition, I always think of the same tale.

Recently, a friend of mine came over to assist me with a weekend project.

I can't recall what kind of celebration he had been out with his family for, but the first thing he did was enter the bathroom to get changed.

Not even 30 seconds later, I heard what I can only characterize as a "yelp" coming from the restroom as I was gathering some things in the adjacent room.

I hurried to the door and knocked to see if he was alright. He said, "I think I threw my back out! While putting on my shirt, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my lower back, and I'm not sure if I can move! ”

He informed me he was convinced he had a "slipped disc" or something serious and that he needed to go to the ER right immediately as I led him out of the bathroom and over to the couch to take a look.

It turned out that he had merely strained a muscle in his back, so he would be okay, even though I had to temporarily put my project on hold and have him watch a short TED talk of mine about how to identify spinal disc problems.

In addition to believing that this is how a herniated disc would appear, many individuals also believe that a herniated disc requires some form of surgical intervention.

And if you came across this post while looking up options for spinal disc treatment in Austin, Texas, the good news is that, even when it comes to spinal disc injuries, that’s often not the case. 

Bottom Line:

Don't get me wrong, though.

It doesn't mean you won't feel some degree of chronic pain or discomfort if you have a spinal disc issue rather than a back strain or sprain.

Every movement can appear painful, and because the pain is continuous, it may seem as though you'll never regain your former self. In other cases, you might not even be aware of what has happened.

The sensation of pain is your body's way of telling you to "pay attention inside now"; it's a warning indicator.

In the end, it's your body's way of warning you that you've pushed it over its breaking point.

And with the right care and some time, you can usually aid the body in healing without the need for invasive procedures when it comes to back muscle sprains, strains, and disc problems.

The main issue I want to address in this article is how to identify a spinal disc condition.

Let's start now.

Why it Matters:

Even though certain disc injuries can cause a fast onset of pain, not all do, and the manner in which that pain manifests itself may surprise you.

In Austin, Texas, where we are known for our non-surgical spinal disc treatments, disc herniations are the most typical form of spinal disc issue we encounter.

These injuries most frequently affect people between the ages of 45 and 65 whose discs have naturally grown more dehydrated and rigid.

If a person is diagnosed with a herniated or slipped disc, it signifies that one of the inner layers of their disc has pushed through the outer layer of the disc.

In keeping with that, when a person has a bulging disc, it indicates that the inner layer is projecting and perhaps very close to entering the outer layer.

If you're unsure whether you have a spinal disc issue, it may help to know that the pain typically manifests in one of two ways:

• If the disc bulges far enough to press on a spinal nerve, you may notice pain that travels down your arms or legs.
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• If the inside of your disc pushes through the outer layer, it could also cause severe inflammation resulting in pain.

How To Know if You Have a Spinal Disc Problem

Do you have a back muscle strain or sprain?

Or do you actually have a disc problem?

The best way to be certain is, of course, to schedule a visit with us for a quick evaluation.

In Austin, Texas, our skilled staff specializes in non-invasive, all-natural spinal disc treatment, and we do provide same-day appointments for both new and returning patients.

there’s some other reason - here are some key indicators often associated with either sprains and strains or disc injuries. 

• As is the case in the story I shared earlier, you’re most likely to experience a sprain or strain while or immediately after completing everyday tasks and movements. The pain can be intense and is often localized to the area of the back that was affected.
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• Disc injuries on the other hand might not be attributable to a specific event, and the associated pain or discomfort (numbness, tingling, or weakness) often tends to be referred to and felt in the arms or legs on one side of the body (though some pain may be felt in the back). 

As we go over how to determine if you have a spinal disc issue, it is important to keep in mind that disc herniations can occasionally go unnoticed, which is why we advise scheduling regular adjustments even if you are not experiencing any discomfort.

Next Steps: 

The good news is that your spine is highly resilient and capable of recovering without the need for intrusive procedures, injections, and surgeries, regardless of the sort of back injury you have.

Numerous studies have shown that movement-based care, such as the spinal adjustments and spinal rehab we offer here, can be quite successful in assisting you in recovering from disc problems.

We've all been there, so, yeah.

If you're wondering how to tell if you have a spinal disc condition, you don't need to waste any more time Googling for an answer because you already have us.

We're here for you, just like our team is here for one another when we get back pain.

Do not hesitate to call us if you have been experiencing back pain or pain and discomfort in your arm or leg that you have been unable to eliminate.

We specialize in offering non-invasive spinal disc therapy in Austin, Texas, and we'll work with you to identify the source of your pain and develop a plan to naturally help you feel better and resume your favorite activities.

Science Sources: 

Bulging Disk vs. Herniated Disk: What's the Difference? Mayo Clinic. 2022.

Exercise for Sciatica from a Herniated Disc. Spine-Health. 2021.