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Spine Conditions A-Z

More Disc Tear Information

Disc Tear


What Are Common Torn Disc Symptoms?

Disc tear symptoms occur when the nucleus pushes into the damaged annulus and comes in contact with the spinal cord or nerve roots. Patients who show signs of a torn disc can feel a great deal of pain. Numbness, tingling, and weakness are also common symptoms of a torn disc.

Cervical Torn Disc Symptoms

  • Pain in the neck near the injured disc.
  • Pain that travels along the nerve path, through the shoulder, and down the arm into the hand.
  • Numbness and tingling in the arm and or hand.
  • Muscular weakness in the arm (which muscle will weaken depends on the nerve affected).
  • Muscle spasms.

Lumbar Torn Disc Symptoms

  • Pain in the lower back near the injured disc.
  • Pain that travels along the nerve path, through the buttocks, legs, and feet.
  • Numbness and tingling felt in the leg and or foot.
  • Muscular weakness in the leg.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Symptoms of Sciatica

While some patients experience any or all of the above torn disc symptoms, other patients are completely asymptomatic. Without any signs of a torn disc, some patients are completely unaware of their spinal condition.

A disc tear is considered a herniated disc when the inner disc material (nucleus) protrudes through a tear and extends to, or through, the outer layer (annulus). When a tear evolves into a herniation, disc tear symptoms can be especially painful.

Confused about your symptoms?

If you think that you are showing signs of a torn disc we recommend that you take a moment to fill out our where is your pain diagnostics survey. Once we receive it, one of our ASC patient advocates will be in touch with you to provide you with any help or advice that you may need.

Begin 3 Step Diagnosis Process

Need assistance, or for answers to any questions you have please contact us now or call (877) 272-4535.