Causes

• Herniated disks are typically caused by a gradual degeneration from wear and tear through the years. As you age, your disks begin to lose their sponge-like flexibility, and ligaments holding them in place start to weaken. At this point, a sudden or twisting movement can rupture a disk.
  
  

Back Pain

• Where the herniated disk is located will determine where and what kind of pain will be experienced. When the ruptured disk is located in the lower back, symptoms will include a burning, numbness or tingling pain radiating from the back into the hip and buttock and down one leg or sometimes moving into the foot. The pain can be sharp and shock-like and become more severe when walking, standing or sitting for long periods.
  
  

Neck Pain

• Neck pain might include either dull or sharp pains in the neck or between the shoulder blades. The pain can radiate down the arm and into the hands and fingers and might cause numbness and tingling. Pain might increase when moving or positioning the neck in certain ways.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will test your muscle strength, reflexes and walking ability. He will take note of where your pain originates and where it radiates to. He might order an MRI or CT scan to locate the herniated disk. X-rays might also be performed, and although they cannot detect herniated disks, they will rule out any other reasons for back pain.
  
  

Treatment

• Pain medications such as Motrin and Aleve might be recommended for pain relief. Muscle relaxants such as Valium might be prescribed for back spasms. Cold packs can reduce inflammation, and heat will relax muscles and relieve pain. A physical therapist can provide traction, ultrasound and electrical type treatments to help alleviate herniated disk pain. Corticosteroids might be injected into the herniated disk to relieve inflammation. These injections are limited to three times a year because of side effects. When conservative measures fail, surgery might be an option. Surgery will involve removing the herniated disk and any disk tissue that might be compressing a nerve.