Symptoms of DISK, RUPTURED

Ruptured discs in the low back, or lumbar spine, usually produce some degree of low back pain. If the nerves are compressed or irritated by the chemical inflammation produced by the ruptured disc, pain may radiate into the lower extremity. Further damage to the nerve may result in weakness, tingling or numbness. The spinal cord ends at about the bottom of the rib cage. The nerves that continue beyond are termed the cauda equina, or horse's main. Compression of the cauda equina can lead to loss of bowel and bladder function as well as lower extremity symptoms. Disc herniations in the neck usually produce pain in the back of the neck. This pain typically spreads to the back of the head and into the shoulder blades. Pain, numbness, weakness and tingling may develop in the arms. If the spinal cord is compressed, there may be generalized weakness, difficulty walking or problems with urinating. Disc herniations in the thoracic spine are much less common. The relative immobility of the thoracic spine, provided by its attachments to the ribs, produces this degree of stability. Disc herniations in the thoracic area may produce spine pain in the chest or pain that wraps around the chest or abdomen. Like the cervical spine, spinal cord involvement can lead to weakness and incoordination of the legs as well as problems with urinating