How to Know if Your Disk Has Ruptured

A ruptured disk, also called a herniated or slipped disk, is a condition where a spinal disk bulges, loses elasticity or breaks open. Bodily aches are typical with a ruptured disk, and some people may attribute pain to a different condition. However, knowing the specific symptoms of a ruptured disk can help you distinguish this problem from similar medical conditions.

Instructions

• 1

  Feel intense pain in different areas of the body depending on the location of the herniated or ruptured disk. Symptoms common to a ruptured disk in the lower back include excruciating pain in the buttocks, thighs and legs: Whereas a ruptured disk in the neck triggers strong pain in the arm and shoulders. According to the Mayo Clinic, movements caused by sneezing and coughing can induce pain.

• 2

  Notice numbness in specific areas of the body. Because a rupture disk can affect nerve function, numbness and tingling is common with this type of medical condition.

• 3

  Detect muscle weakness. Impaired nerve function can cause muscle weakness, and with weakness, grasping items, climbing stairs or lifting can prove challenging.

• 4

  Develop impaired bowel and bladder function. Because a ruptured disk impacts nerves and muscles, maintaining control of bowel movements and the bladder can prove difficult.

• 5

  Schedule an imaging test with your physician. Doctors can diagnose a ruptured disk after conducting an x-ray, cat scan or MRI of the affected areas. Depending on the results from an imaging test, your doctor may schedule a nerve test for conclusive results.