How Do I Know If I Have a Slipped Disc?

That sharp pain shooting down your leg when you bend over to pick up the laundry basket might make you wonder if you’ve slipped a disc. Or maybe you’ve been feeling persistent back pain that radiates into your buttocks and down your thigh, and you’re trying to figure out why.

A slipped disc — technically called a herniated disc — happens when one of the cushioning discs between your vertebrae develops a tear, and the gel-like center pushes out. This displaced material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain that ranges from annoying to debilitating.

Board-certified pain management physician Mahesh Mohan, MD, and our team at Pain Specialists of Frisco specialize in diagnosing and treating herniated discs using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Mohan can identify the source of your pain and create a treatment plan that gets you moving comfortably again.

Common symptoms that point to a herniated disc

Herniated disc symptoms vary widely depending on where the disc is located and which nerves are affected. Some people experience minimal discomfort, while others deal with severe pain that makes daily activities nearly impossible.

A herniated disc in your lower back typically causes pain that radiates down one leg — a condition called sciatica. You might feel the pain in your buttocks, thigh, calf, or even in your foot. If the herniated disc is in your neck, pain usually radiates into your shoulder, arm, and hand.

When disc material presses on spinal nerves, you may experience symptoms like:

• Tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Muscle weakness that makes gripping objects or climbing stairs difficult
• A burning or electric-shock sensation that travels along the nerve pathway
• Pain that intensifies with coughing, sneezing, or laughing
• Discomfort that improves when lying down but flares up when sitting

Most herniated discs occur in the lumbar spine (lower back), though they can develop in the cervical spine (neck) as well.

What causes discs to herniate?

Discs herniate for several reasons, and sometimes multiple factors work together to cause the problem. Understanding these causes can help you recognize why your disc might have herniated and how to prevent future problems. Common causes of herniated discs include:

Wear-and-tear

Age-related changes are one of the biggest culprits. As you get older, your spinal discs lose water content and become less flexible, making them more prone to tearing or rupturing with even minor strain.

Repetitive stress

Frequent lifting, bending, or twisting movements gradually weaken the disc structure over time. Physically demanding jobs that involve these motions put you at higher risk for disc herniation.

Sudden injury

A single traumatic event, such as a fall or car accident, can cause a disc to herniate suddenly. Sometimes, an awkward lifting motion combined with age-related disc changes is all it takes.

Lifestyle factors

Excess body weight puts additional pressure on lower back discs. Weak core muscles that fail to support the spine properly also contribute to disc problems. Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to spinal tissues, which accelerates disc degeneration.

Treatment options for herniated discs

Dr. Mohan starts with a thorough physical examination, assessing your symptoms and performing tests to evaluate nerve function, muscle strength, and range of motion. MRI scans provide definitive confirmation, showing the exact location and severity of the herniation.

After he has these details, he can create a personalized treatment plan that may include:

Conservative care

Initial treatments often include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications to manage symptoms. Physical therapy helps strengthen core muscles and improve spinal stability, which can prevent future problems.

Minimally invasive interventions

When conservative measures don’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Mohan offers advanced treatments such as epidural steroid injections that deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area. 

He also provides nerve blocks that interrupt pain signals, radiofrequency ablation for targeted pain control, or regenerative treatments, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and Regenexx® stem cell therapy to promote tissue healing.

These interventions can reduce pain and improve function without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

If you’ve slipped a disc — or you think you may have — don’t wait to seek help. Call Pain Specialists of Frisco in Frisco or Fort Worth, Texas, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation, or book your appointment online. Don’t wait any longer to find out what’s causing your pain and explore treatment options that can restore your mobility.