A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its tougher outer layer. Symptoms vary depending on its location in the spine. Understanding a herniation’s size, like 10mm, helps indicate its potential impact on surrounding structures and body function.
Understanding a Herniated Disc
The spine is composed of bones called vertebrae, cushioned by intervertebral discs. These discs function as shock absorbers, enabling spinal flexibility and preventing bones from rubbing against each other. Each disc has two main parts: a tough, fibrous outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like inner core known as the nucleus pulposus.
A disc herniation happens when the nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear or crack in the annulus fibrosus. This differs from a disc bulge, where the disc protrudes outward but its outer layers remain intact. The 10mm measurement refers to the extent of this disc material protrusion.
Interpreting Disc Size and Severity
A 10mm herniated disc is generally considered large, particularly in the lumbar spine where it is classified as such. However, size is not the only factor determining symptom severity or overall impact. Other factors include the herniation’s location within the spinal canal and whether it compresses nearby nerves. A smaller herniation in a sensitive area or one that directly impinges on a nerve root can cause more severe symptoms than a larger one that does not. Individual variations in spinal canal size and pain tolerance also affect how a 10mm herniation might affect a person. The size of a lumbar disc herniation does not consistently predict the need for surgical intervention or the success of non-operative treatment.
How a Herniated Disc Affects the Body
A herniated disc often leads to symptoms because the displaced disc material can press on or irritate nearby spinal nerves, leading to inflammation. The specific symptoms experienced depend on the location of the herniation along the spine.
In the lower back (lumbar spine), a herniated disc commonly causes pain that radiates down the leg, often referred to as sciatica. This pain can be sharp or burning and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot. When a herniation occurs in the neck (cervical spine), symptoms may include neck pain, pain radiating into the arm, shoulder, or hand, along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or fingers. Herniations in the upper back (thoracic region) are less common but can cause pain in the upper back, chest, or abdomen.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosing a herniated disc typically involves a physical examination and a review of medical history to assess symptoms, reflexes, and muscle strength. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most effective imaging tool for confirming a herniated disc, as it provides clear, detailed images of soft tissues like discs and nerves. X-rays cannot detect herniated discs but can rule out other bone-related issues.
Most herniated discs improve with conservative (non-surgical) treatments, often within a few weeks. Initial management includes rest and activity modification to avoid movements that worsen pain. Pain medications, such as non-prescription pain relievers or muscle relaxers, can help manage discomfort and inflammation. Physical therapy is a common treatment, focusing on exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture. If oral medications are insufficient, epidural steroid injections may be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area. Surgical intervention is considered for a small percentage of individuals. This is typically when severe pain persists despite conservative treatments, or if there are progressive neurological deficits like muscle weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control. Common surgical procedures include microdiscectomy, which removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve.