The most common place for pain is the back. A torn or herniated spinal disc can be at the root of many forms of back pain, from aches and stiffness to shooting nerve pain that travels down to the leg to sciatica. Understanding what causes a herniated disc is therefore key to back pain prevention and management. Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) is New Jersey’s most comprehensive spine and brain center. Here, the CNSO medical team discusses torn and herniated discs and their causes.
Key Takeaways About Herniated Discs
- Vertebral discs are round pads of tissue that provide cushioning between vertebrae. They feature a tough exterior and a soft, gel-filled nucleus.
- A torn disc occurs when a vertebral disc becomes damaged. Depending on the degree of the tear, a disc’s gelatinous content can bulge outward or spill outside of the disc wall. Symptoms include nerve pain, tingling, and muscle weakness.
- A torn disc that is a tear limited to weakening the annulus and causing a “bulging” of the disc is referred to as a bulging disc. A herniated disc is a tear through the annulus to the nucleus pulposus, allowing the nucleus to leak. A ruptured disc refers to a severely herniated disc.
- Disc tears can be caused by a car accident, work related accident, sports injury, spine disc degeneration, wear and tear, traumatic injuries, lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions, or a combination thereof.
- Patients should seek medical attention whenever they experience symptoms of back pain, especially if experiencing shooting pain, loss of sensation, incontinence, or unrelenting axial back pain, as these may be caused by a herniated disc, a pinched nerve, or an issue with the spinal cord itself.
Anatomy of the Spine and Vertebral Discs
The spine is one of the most important parts of the body. Located centrally, it is constructed from a series of interlinked bones called vertebrae. This structure provides the body with the ability to stand upright, bend, and flex, as well as lend strength and stability to the extremities. The spine also protects the spinal cord, which is a thick bundle of nerves that enables communication between the brain and the body.
Vertebrae are separated by the vertebral disc. Vertebral discs feature a tough, rubbery exterior layer, called the annulus fibrosus, that surrounds a soft, gel-filled center called the nucleus pulposus. They provide cushioning between vertebrae, absorbing shock and allow the spine to flex.
What Is a Torn Disc?
A torn disc occurs when the annulus fibrosus tears. This causes the nucleus pulposus to bulge, putting pressure against the surrounding tissue. If the bulge is oriented outward, it may irritate the muscles and connective tissue that support the spine. It may also intrude on the spinal canal, causing spinal cord impingement or myelopathy. Symptoms depend on the level of the spine where the torn disc is located. A torn disc in the cervical (neck) spine may cause:
- Neck pain
- Pain that radiates into the shoulders and arms
- Muscle weakness in the arms
- Numbness and tingling in the shoulders, arms, and hands
A torn disc in the lumbar (lower) spine, meanwhile, may cause:
- Back pain
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks, groin, and legs (sciatica)
- Muscle weakness in the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
Torn Disc vs. Herniated Disc vs. Ruptured Disc
A torn disc is similar to a herniated disc and a ruptured disc. In fact, these three conditions have the same cause and differ only in severity. Each term refers to a different degree of tearing and nucleus leakage, as follows:
- Torn disc: The annulus is partially torn, causing the nucleus to bulge through the weakened wall.
- Herniated disc: The annulus is torn through, allowing the nucleus to leak out.
- Ruptured disc: The annulus is severely torn, causing a significant leak and loss of disc structure.
Torn discs, herniated discs, and ruptured discs all have similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish based on external signs alone. Medical imaging tests are the only way to determine the level of tearing the patient has experienced, which is crucial for planning an appropriate treatment.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
Because vertebral discs receive heavy stress, they are vulnerable to damage. Torn and herniated discs have many possible causes:
Wear and Tear
Vertebral discs have a poor blood supply. This means they may not receive enough hydration to replace what they lose. Over time, vertebral discs gradually lose their elasticity and become vulnerable to tearing. Many torn and herniated discs are caused by age and degeneration alone.
Traumatic Injuries
Some tears are caused by a spine injury. If the spine is subject to a heavy blow or extreme stress due to a sports injury or motor vehicle accident, a vertebral disc may tear or rupture. Work-related back injuries, especially heavy lifting accidents, are another common cause.
Lifestyle Factors
While anyone can experience a torn disc, certain lifestyle factors increase the likelihood. Poor posture, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle create stress on vertebral discs. Repetitive bending or twisting motions cause accumulated wear and tear, while smoking interferes with how the body heals.
Genetic Predispositions
Finally, some individuals are genetically predisposed to back pain. If a person has a strong family history of disc issues, then they may have inherently weaker discs that are more prone to tearing. Connective tissue disorders and spinal deformities are also potential causes.
What Are the Diagnostic Approaches for Torn Discs?
Diagnosis of a torn disc begins with a physical exam. The doctor examines the patient’s back, asks about their symptoms, and may ask the patient to perform simple movements and report any pain. The doctor will also review the patient’s medical history for any potential contributing factors.
These tests are often followed by medical imaging. An X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan provides a conclusive diagnosis for the patient’s pain. It also helps the doctor locate the problematic disc and determine whether it is torn, herniated, or fully ruptured. Imaging results are vital for planning a surgical treatment.
Find Torn or Herniated Disc Care Near You in New Jersey
Understanding what causes a herniated disc empowers patients to make preventive choices, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or avoiding overexertion. It also provokes a person to seek medical care when appropriate. Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics treats any type of herniated disc at locations near you across northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, and Hudson counties. Contact CNSO today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Torn Discs
Can a torn disc heal on its own?
A torn disc can sometimes heal on its own, with enough rest and conservative care. Herniated and ruptured discs may not heal without treatment.
Can poor posture cause a torn disc?
Yes, over time, poor posture can cause a torn disc or make the disc more vulnerable to tearing.
How do doctors confirm a torn disc diagnosis?
Doctors use a combination of physical exams, medical history reviews, and medical imaging to diagnose a torn disc.
What treatments are available for a torn disc?
Some torn discs can be cured with conservative means, including rest, medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or an epidural injection or a transforaminal injection. Severe disc issues may require surgical repair or replacement.
What surgery is used for torn discs?
Surgeries for torn discs include discectomy, microdiscectomy, disc replacement, and spinal fusion.
What is the success rate of spinal disc surgery?
Spinal disc surgeries have a very high success rate, with minimally invasive techniques and scientific breakthroughs leading to improved procedures with faster results and fewer side effects.
