Signs and Symptoms

You can have a herniated disk without knowing it — herniated or bulging disks sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disk problem. But some herniated disks can be painful. The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disk are:

  • Sciatica — a radiating, aching pain, sometimes with tingling and numbness, that starts in the buttock and extends down the back of one leg
  • Pain, numbness or weakness in the lower back and one leg, or in the neck, shoulder, chest or arm
  • Low back pain that worsens when you sit, cough or sneeze

2006-12-20

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