Disc protrusions can be very painful, sometimes debilitating, and often confusing. IF youre dealing with chronic back pain but don’t know if its disc related pain, here are some common signs and symptoms.

  • Atrophy of the muscles supporting and surrounding the spine.
    Decrease in the range of motion of the ankles or knees, loss of flexibility, and reflexes.
    An increase in pain after walking short distances, which is relieved with rest.
    Stiffness and pain in the mornings, which may cause difficulty in routine morning tasks, like getting dressed.
    An increase in low back and/or leg pain from straining, like when coughing and sneezing.
    Difficulty in raising from sitting or lying positions.
    A reduction in pain when lying on the back or side, with flexed knees and hips.
    Increased pain resulting from prolonged lying, sitting, or standing.
    Limited flexion and/or extension of the back.
    Bladder or bowel incontinence.
    Pain increased by bending forward, sneezing, or straining.
    The inability to stand on your heels or toes.
    Muscular weakness.
    Loss of sensation, pain, numbness or tingling in the leg and/or foot.
    Sharp pain in the lower back upon movement.
    Pain and spasms in the lower back muscles.
    Deep dull ache in the calf, posterior thigh, the buttocks, and sometimes the foot.
    Deep, dull ache in the lower back.

The above list is not a complete list of symptoms when it comes to disc protrusions, only your doctor can diagnose you properly when it comes to back problems. Chiropractic care can help you avoid surgery, and in most cases surgery may not even be necessary.