Can GERD cause arm pain. What are the most surprising symptoms of acid reflux. When should you be concerned about GERD symptoms. How can you distinguish between GERD and more serious conditions.

Understanding GERD: More Than Just Heartburn

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. While most people associate GERD with heartburn, its symptoms can be far more varied and surprising. In some cases, GERD can even cause pain in seemingly unrelated areas of the body, such as the arms.

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach, becomes weakened or relaxes inappropriately. This allows stomach acid and other contents to travel back up into the esophagus, leading to various symptoms.

Common Triggers of GERD

• Pregnancy
• Consuming acidic or fatty foods
• Eating large meals
• Lying down shortly after eating
• Snacking close to bedtime
• Bending over or lifting heavy objects

Surprising GERD Symptoms: Beyond Heartburn

While heartburn and regurgitation are the most common symptoms of GERD, many patients experience a range of other, less obvious symptoms. These can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, leading to confusion and delayed diagnosis.

Can GERD cause gas?

Yes, GERD can indeed cause excessive gas. While acid reflux doesn’t directly cause gas, the two conditions are often interlinked. Many of the foods and habits that trigger GERD can also lead to increased gas production. Additionally, the discomfort and bloating associated with GERD can sometimes be mistaken for gas-related issues.

Dizziness and GERD: Is there a connection?

Some people with GERD report experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness. This symptom may be related to the esophageal irritation caused by acid reflux, which can stimulate the vagus nerve and lead to dizziness. However, it’s important to note that dizziness can also be a sign of other health conditions, so it should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

GERD and Headaches

Headaches are another surprising symptom that some GERD sufferers experience. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought that the irritation and inflammation caused by acid reflux may trigger headaches in some individuals. Additionally, the stress and discomfort associated with chronic GERD can contribute to tension headaches.

GERD and Respiratory Symptoms: An Unexpected Link

GERD can have surprising effects on the respiratory system, leading to symptoms that might not seem immediately connected to acid reflux.

Can GERD cause asthma?

While GERD doesn’t directly cause asthma, there is a strong link between the two conditions. Acid reflux can worsen existing asthma and may even trigger asthma-like symptoms in some people. This occurs because stomach acid can irritate the airways, leading to inflammation and constriction.

For some individuals, GERD-related asthma symptoms may be the primary manifestation of their acid reflux, even in the absence of typical heartburn. This can sometimes lead to a delay in proper diagnosis and treatment.

Is GERD-related asthma always serious?

The severity of GERD-related asthma symptoms can vary widely. For some, it may be a minor inconvenience, while for others, it can significantly impact their quality of life. In all cases, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to manage both the GERD and the respiratory symptoms effectively.

Nerve Pain and GERD: An Unexpected Connection

One of the most surprising symptoms of GERD is nerve pain. This can manifest in various ways and in different parts of the body.

Can GERD cause nerve pain?

Yes, GERD can cause nerve pain in some cases. The mechanism behind this is complex and not fully understood, but it’s thought to be related to the inflammation and irritation caused by chronic acid reflux. This inflammation can affect nearby nerves, leading to pain or discomfort in unexpected areas.

For example, some people with GERD report feeling pain or tingling in their arms, legs, or other parts of the body. While these symptoms are less common, they can be quite distressing for those who experience them.

Arm Pain and GERD: When to Be Concerned

Arm pain, particularly in the left arm, is a symptom that requires careful consideration in the context of GERD.

Can GERD cause arm pain?

While it’s possible for GERD to cause referred pain in the arms, it’s crucial to approach this symptom with caution. Left arm pain, especially when accompanied by chest pain, can be a sign of a heart attack. Therefore, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms, particularly if they’re new or severe.

In some cases, the pain associated with GERD can radiate to the arms, particularly the left arm. This is due to the complex network of nerves in the chest and upper body. However, because arm pain can also be a sign of more serious conditions, it should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Chest Pain: GERD or Something More Serious?

Chest pain is a common symptom of GERD, but it can also be a sign of more serious conditions, including heart problems.

Can GERD cause chest pain?

Yes, GERD can cause chest pain, often described as a burning sensation behind the breastbone. This pain can sometimes be severe and may even mimic the pain of a heart attack. However, GERD-related chest pain typically worsens after eating and improves with antacids, unlike heart-related chest pain.

Evaluating Your Chest Pain

Given the potential seriousness of chest pain, it’s crucial to have it properly evaluated. If you experience severe or persistent chest pain, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw or arms, seek immediate medical attention.

Fever and Chills: When GERD Might Not Be the Culprit

While GERD can cause a wide range of symptoms, fever and chills are not typically associated with acid reflux.

Can GERD cause fever and chills?

GERD itself does not usually cause fever or chills. If you’re experiencing these symptoms along with your usual GERD symptoms, it’s possible that you have a separate condition, such as an infection. In rare cases, severe GERD can lead to complications like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, which might cause fever. However, this is uncommon, and any persistent fever should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Silent GERD: When Acid Reflux Goes Unnoticed

In some cases, GERD can be present without causing obvious symptoms, a condition known as silent reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Can you have GERD and not know it?

Yes, it’s possible to have GERD without experiencing typical symptoms like heartburn. In cases of silent GERD, patients might experience symptoms such as chronic cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or the feeling of a lump in the throat. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

What is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)?

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is a type of reflux that affects the throat and voice box. Unlike typical GERD, LPR often doesn’t cause heartburn. Instead, it may lead to symptoms such as chronic throat clearing, persistent cough, voice changes, and the sensation of a lump in the throat. LPR can be more challenging to diagnose than typical GERD due to its less obvious symptoms.

If you’re experiencing persistent throat or voice-related symptoms, especially if they’re not accompanied by typical GERD symptoms, it’s worth discussing the possibility of LPR with your healthcare provider.

Seeking Professional Help for GERD Symptoms

Given the wide range of potential GERD symptoms and their overlap with other conditions, it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice if you’re experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms.

When should you see a doctor for GERD symptoms?

• If you’re experiencing heartburn more than twice a week
• If over-the-counter medications aren’t providing relief
• If you’re having difficulty swallowing
• If you’re experiencing persistent nausea or vomiting
• If you’re losing weight unintentionally
• If you’re experiencing chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm, neck, or jaw
• If you’re experiencing any new or concerning symptoms

A healthcare provider can help determine whether your symptoms are due to GERD or another condition, and can recommend appropriate treatment options. These might include lifestyle changes, medications, or in some cases, surgical interventions.

Remember, while GERD is a common condition, its symptoms can sometimes mimic more serious health issues. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

When You Should Be Worried

Acid reflux may be a common gastrointestinal problem, but it turns out its symptoms are not always that common. From headaches to nerve pain, there are uncommon acid reflux symptoms that can cause alarm and panic to patients. 

So, what are rare acid reflux symptoms? Headaches, dizziness, asthma symptoms, and nerve pain are among those considered to be uncommon but safe acid reflux symptoms. On the other hand, fever and intense pain accompanied by left arm pain are just two examples of potential medical emergencies for reflux patients.

Read on to learn more about the lesser known acid reflux symptoms, and whether or not they pose a health risk.

1 Rare Symptoms of Acid Reflux: When You Should Be Worried

1.1 Understanding Acid Reflux

1.1.1 What Triggers It?

1.2 Are There Rare Acid Reflux Symptoms?

1.2.1 Can Acid Reflux Cause Gas

1.2.1.1 How Are Acid Reflux and Gas Related

1.2.2 Can Acid Reflux Cause Dizziness

1. 2.2.1 Dizziness and Acid Reflux: Is There a Link?

1.2.3 Acid Reflux and Headaches

1.2.4 Can Acid Reflux Cause Asthma

1.2.4.1 Developing Asthma Due to GERD

1.2.4.2 Is It Always Serious?

1.2.5 Can Acid Reflux Cause Nerve Pain

1.2.6 Arm Pain: Heartburn Or Something Else?

1.2.7 Can Acid Reflux Cause Chest Pain

1.2.7.1 Evaluating Your Chest Pain

1.2.8 Can Acid Reflux Cause Fever and Chills

1.3 Can You Have Acid Reflux and Not Know It

1.4 Do You Have Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)?

1.5 Get Professional Help Today

Understanding Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a gastrointestinal condition involving the regurgitation of stomach contents back up the esophagus. Patients experience a host of symptoms including coughing, feeling of something being stuck in the throat, and difficulty swallowing. Patients also report feeling pain radiating in their chest or heartburn, which is another term used to describe acid reflux.  

Acid reflux occurs when a small muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) located below the esophagus malfunctions, allowing food, acid, and other stomach contents to travel back up from the stomach. 

What Triggers It?

Doctors are unable to identify the direct cause of acid reflux. However, these circumstances increase the risk of developing acid reflux:

• Pregnant women experience hormonal changes that can affect the LES, causing acid reflux. Pregnant women who have no history of acid reflux can suddenly experience symptoms due to the added pressure of the baby to the stomach. 
• Constant exposure to acidic and fatty foods are known triggers of acid reflux. A diet composed mostly of citrusy foods and foods high in fat trigger acid production in the stomach, which can increase acidity levels and create discomfort. 
• Eating habits such as eating large meals, lying down after a meal, and snacking close to bedtime are also triggers of acid reflux. These eating habits don’t allow proper digestion and can irritate the stomach, leading to regurgitation and heartburn. 
• Bending and lifting heavy objects can also trigger episodic acid reflux. These actions put pressure on the stomach which could temporarily loosen the LES and allow bile to travel back up the mouth. Discomfort usually goes away once the patient resumes an upright position. Read more: Does Working Out Make Acid Reflux Worse?

Are There Rare Acid Reflux Symptoms? 

Although a common gastrointestinal condition, not all acid reflux symptoms are shared by patients. Some only experience heartburn and regurgitation, which are two distinct signs of acid reflux. Others may exhibit symptoms that stray from the usual list. 

Listed below are some of the usual concerns on uncommon acid reflux symptoms. Keep in mind that the majority of these are caused by chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may not be relevant to patients with temporary acid reflux.

If so, a separate issue not related to acid reflux may be the cause of the following symptoms:

Can Acid Reflux Cause Gas

On average, healthy individuals pass gas 13 to 21 times a day. This gas is expelled through the mouth (burping) or anus (flatulence). Gas accumulates in the digestive tract through eating (swallowing air) or bacterial fermentation. 

As digestive bacteria break down food, little pockets of air are created in the process. Because the bacteria in each human body is different, some people may be more tolerant of digesting certain food compared to other people. 

How Are Acid Reflux and Gas Related

Excessive gas and acid reflux may exist simultaneously. A patient experiencing excessive flatulence may also experience bloating from acid reflux. While acid reflux does not directly cause gas, doctors believe that the two may be interlinked. 

This is because certain conditions that trigger acid reflux can also trigger gassiness. Individuals who eat spicy and citrusy foods may increase their acidity levels while also triggering gassiness. Alleviating gassiness could coincidentally improve acid reflux symptoms because the circumstances that create these conditions tend to be similar. 

Learn more about what food to avoid in this article: What Is the Best Breakfast for Acid Reflux Sufferers?

Can Acid Reflux Cause Dizziness

Dizziness and acid reflux are rarely associated with each other. However, personal accounts show that acid reflux, specifically GERD can also lead to dizziness in patients. This dizziness is often characterized as lightheadedness, weakness, and a temporarily blurry vision. 

Dizziness and Acid Reflux: Is There a Link?

While dizziness is not often listed as a common symptom of acid reflux, a study suggests that there is a link between peripheral vertigo (vertigo caused by ear problems) and acid reflux. 

Scientists suggest that patients who experience dizziness alongside their acid reflux may be due to gastric acids irritating the ear, which could lead to ear infections.  

The study reported that 77.6% of patients with peripheral vertigo were also diagnosed with acid reflux compared to 26% of patients without reflux symptoms. 

Although further studies are required to finalize the findings, the researchers suggest that reflux contents such as Hydrochloric acid and pepsin could get into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube and affect the ear directly. This can cause tinnitus or a perceived ringing of the ears. 

Another way acid reflux could cause dizziness is through bacterial infection. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori can travel further up the esophagus through reflux contents and reach the upper respiratory tract. This could cause scarred ear drum (tympanosclerosis), leading to dizziness. 

Learn more: Can Acid Reflux Cause Sinus and Ear Problems?

Acid Reflux and Headaches

While there are no studies showing that gastrointestinal disorders can lead to headaches, there are publications that illustrate how gastric problems, in particular acid reflux, can coincide with headaches.  

A study involving 43,782 patients studies the possible prevalence of headaches in patients with gastrointestinal problems. Compared to diarrhea and constipation, patients with acid reflux symptoms report higher prevalence of headaches. 

Another study involving 1,832 migraine patients were tested for heartburn and GERD symptoms. Of the group, 22% reported GERD diagnosis, 11.6% reported heartburn, and another 15.8% reported previously undiagnosed reflux symptoms. 

These studies show that patients with acid reflux problems also tend to experience headaches, although there are no clear reasons why. Although unclear, doctors confirm that treating gastrointestinal problems also alleviates headache symptoms, which is how acid reflux-related headaches are treated. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Asthma

Patients with asthma are known to experience GERD and are likelier to develop acid reflux than people without asthma. This is because acid reflux can cause damage to the esophagus, leading to chronic coughing.

Overproduction of acid and constant exposure to stomach contents could also compromise the lungs, making it more susceptible to irritants like dust. 

Developing Asthma Due to GERD

It’s not just asthmatic patients who can be affected by GERD. Turns out that patients who are non-asthmatic can have respiratory problems due to reflux symptoms. 

Wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty are tell-tale signs of asthma. Commonly diagnosed in childhood, adults can also develop asthma late in their lives due to a variety of reasons. Some patients can develop asthmatic symptoms while others go on to experience chronic asthma symptoms and eventually develop adult asthma. 

Asthma can be caused by a variety of stimuli including exposure to allergens and persistent flu. Doctors tend to identify acid reflux, or GERD in particular, as the cause for asthma when:

• Asthma symptoms worsen after a meal
• Asthma begins during adulthood, after the patient experiences reflux symptoms
• Asthma doesn’t get better with traditional asthma treatments 

Is It Always Serious?

Wheezing and chronic cough require proper diagnosis before asthma is ruled out. After all, acid reflux can cause temporary damage to the esophagus, triggering both symptoms. Just because you’re experiencing wheezing and coughing doesn’t mean you have developed adult asthma. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Nerve Pain

Acid reflux symptoms can be typical or atypical in nature. Tingling limbs and nerve pain are considered rare and atypical acid reflux symptoms. 

Dr. Mark Babyatsky, a former department chairman at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, explained that inflammation from acid reflux can reach the lungs and trigger pneumonia. 

As a result, the diaphragm can become inflamed, affecting the phrenic nerve, which is a nerve connecting the neck, lung, heart, and diaphragm. In this scenario, a patient can feel referred pain in the limbs, specifically the arms and shoulders. 

Alternatively, nerve-related issues may be caused by pre-existing neuropathic conditions, leading to acid reflux. An example of this is gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a form of diabetic peripheral neuropathy characterized by slow digestion. This leads to bloating, heartburn, and vomiting of undigested food. 

If you’re experiencing acid reflux symptoms with nerve pain, there’s a high chance that your nerve pain is not reflux-related, especially if you are experiencing temporary reflux. Get in touch with a medical professional to find a separate diagnosis concerning your nerve pain. 

Arm Pain: Heartburn Or Something Else?

Heart attack survivors often recount their first symptom as a heartburn-like sensation. Many patients explicitly use the word heartburn when recounting their cardiac experience. Patients often realize that their “heartburn” is in fact not reflux-related but heart-related when:

• There is a pain radiating up the arm, specifically the left arm
• They have no history of acid reflux
• There is a burning sensation in the chest
• They have not eaten anything prior to the pain 
• The pain doesn’t go away with antacid 

If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away after taking an antacid, and are accompanied by arm pain and back pain, we suggest going to an emergency facility immediately to get medical help.  

Can Acid Reflux Cause Chest Pain 

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux. Chest pain related to reflux is also called noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). Chest pain occurs during reflux episodes because the heart and the esophagus share a nerve network. Acid reflux, specifically GERD, causes up to 66% of reported NCCPs.

Evaluating Your Chest Pain

Since chest pain from acid reflux and more serious conditions such as heart attack are hard to distinguish, it’s important to know how to evaluate your chest pain. Chest pain from acid reflux often affects the sternum or the area below it called the epigastrium. Pain from acid reflux is often characterized as a sharp pain, which gets worse with coughing. 

Meanwhile, chest pain from non-acid reflux sources could be described as a deep, searing pain. Heart-related chest pain often radiates to other parts of the body including the back, neck, shoulders, and arms. 

The symptoms that accompany chest pain are also key in evaluating the nature of the pain. Gastro-related chest pain is often accompanied by burping or flatulence, trouble swallowing, bile regurgitation, and a burning sensation in the throat or stomach. 

Cardiac-related chest pain is often accompanied by numbness in the left arm or shoulder, shortness of breath, dizziness, and high body temperatures. 

Can Acid Reflux Cause Fever and Chills 

Sustained esophagus damage from bile regurgitation can lead to esophagitis, which is the inflammation of the esophagus. Esophagitis can also be caused by infections, abuse of oral medication, and allergies. 

Reflux esophagitis is a complication of acid reflux, leading to tissue damage and inflammation. Patients with infectious esophagitis may experience fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. Dealing with acid reflux trigger often alleviates esophagitis symptoms. 

On the other hand, acid reflux alone doesn’t cause fever and chills.

If you are not diagnosed with GERD or esophagitis but are experiencing fever and chills with reflux symptoms, get in touch with your doctor immediately to get more information. You could be experiencing a severe bacterial infection and need antibiotics to get well. 

Can You Have Acid Reflux and Not Know It 

Acid reflux can manifest in different ways. Other patients may report extreme versions of acid reflux involving constant heartburn and regurgitation, while others might only report trouble swallowing and coughing. 

Alternatively, there is another form of esophageal reflux that doesn’t exhibit the same symptoms as GERD or heartburn. If you’re experiencing classic reflux symptoms such as coughing and sleep apnea, you may be experiencing what is known as silent reflux. 

Do You Have Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)? 

Laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR is a type of esophageal reflux that doesn’t involve the tell-tale sign of GERD: heartburn. As a result, patients have a difficult time understanding the nature of their symptoms. In most cases, patients with LPR don’t even know they have reflux, which is why the disorder is called silent reflux.  

LPR is caused by the same mechanism that triggers GERD. When the lower esophageal sphincter loosens, stomach contents travel back up the esophagus. In this case, stomach acids travel further up the pharynx, reaching the larynx (voice box) and nasal pathways. As a result, a patient with LPR experiences symptoms like:

• Chronic cough
• Voice hoarseness
• Difficult swallowing; feeling of persistent lump in the throat
• Post-nasal drip
• Sore throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Sleep apnea, difficulty going to sleep caused by coughing

LPR is relieved the same way as GERD. By improving your diet and food choices and adopting healthier lifestyle choices, you can alleviate symptoms and regain control over your health. 

Get Professional Help Today

Don’t let scary symptoms dictate how you live your life. Get a clear diagnosis of your symptoms today and learn what’s causing you discomfort.

Whether it’s heartburn or something else entirely, our top gastroenterologists at Gastro Center NJ will give you everything you need to get your health back on track.

Book an appointment with us today.

Chest Pain and GERD: Assess Your Symptom

Chest pain

Chest pain can make you wonder if you’re having a heart attack. Yet, it can also be one of the many common symptoms of acid reflux.

Chest discomfort that’s related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often called noncardiac chest pain (NCCP), according to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).

The ACG explains that NCCP can imitate the pain of angina, which is defined as chest pain coming from the heart.

Learning ways to distinguish the different types of chest pain might put your mind at ease and help you to treat your acid reflux more effectively.

But it’s important to remember that the symptoms of a heart attack need to be taken very seriously. Because a heart attack requires immediate medical attention, seek help if you’re unsure about the reason for your chest pain.

Cardiac chest pain and NCCP can both appear behind your breastbone, making it hard to distinguish between the two types of pain.

Chest pain involving the heart is more likely than reflux-related pain to spread to other parts of your body. These places include your:

• arms, especially the upper part of your left arm
• back
• shoulders
• neck

Chest pain stemming from GERD may affect your upper body in some cases, but it’s most often centered either behind your sternum or just underneath it in an area known as the epigastrium.

NCCP is usually accompanied by a burning behind your breastbone and may not be felt as much in the left arm.

Esophageal spasms are the tightening of the muscles around the food tube. They happen when acid reflux or other medical issues cause damage within the esophagus.

In turn, these spasms can cause pain in your throat and the upper area of your chest as well.

You may be able to tell what type of chest pain it is by assessing the type of pain you’re feeling.

Common ways that people describe pain associated with heart disease include:

• crushing
• searing
• tight like a vice
• heavy like an elephant sitting on the chest
• deep

NCCP, on the other hand, may feel sharp and tender.

People with GERD may have temporary, severe chest pain when taking a deep breath or coughing. This difference is key.

The intensity level of cardiac pain stays the same when you breathe deeply.

Reflux-related chest discomfort is less likely to feel like it’s coming from deep within your chest. It may seem like it’s closer to the surface of your skin, and it’s more often described as burning or sharp.

Ask yourself if your chest pain changes in intensity or goes away completely when you change your body position to figure out the cause of the discomfort.

Muscle strains and GERD-related chest pain tend to feel better when you move your body.

The symptoms of acid reflux, including chest pain and heartburn, may get a lot better as you straighten your body to a sitting or standing position.

Bending and lying down can make GERD symptoms and discomfort worse, particularly right after eating.

Cardiac chest pain keeps hurting, regardless of your body position. But, it can also come and go throughout the day, depending on the severity of the pain.

NCCP associated with indigestion or a pulled muscle tends to be uncomfortable for a long period of time before going away.

Assessing other symptoms that occur with chest pain can help you distinguish one form of pain from another.

Pain caused by a cardiac issue can make you feel:

• lightheaded
• dizzy
• sweaty
• nauseous
• short of breath
• numb in the left arm or shoulder

Noncardiac, gastrointestinal causes of chest pain can include a variety of other symptoms, including:

• trouble swallowing
• frequent burping or belching
• a burning sensation in your throat, chest, or stomach
• a sour taste in your mouth caused by regurgitation of acid

GERD isn’t the only cause of NCCP. Other causes can include:

• a blood clot lodged in the lungs
• inflammation of the pancreas
• asthma
• inflammation of the cartilage that holds the ribs to the breastbone
• injured, bruised, or broken ribs
• a chronic pain syndrome, such as fibromyalgia
• high blood pressure
• anxiety
• shingles

You should take chest pain seriously. Speak with your doctor about your symptoms.

Your doctor may perform an EKG or stress test. They may also draw blood for tests to rule out heart disease as the underlying cause if you don’t have a prior history of GERD.

Usually, a full medical history and testing can help your doctor find the reason for your chest pain and put you on the road to recovery.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor.

Herniated disc, symptoms – Clinic Zdorovye 365, Yekaterinburg

A symptom such as back pain may be due to a herniated disc , sometimes referred to as a herniated disc or ruptured disc. A herniated disc is one of the stages of osteochondrosis.

Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) with discs (shock absorbers) between them, consisting of a hard outer layer and a soft inner core.
A herniated disc occurs when a small portion of the nucleus is pushed through a tear in the outer layer into the spinal canal. This can irritate the nerve and lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, as well as the leg or arm. Sometimes patients experience back pain that “shoots” in the leg. Daily activities in such cases become sometimes unbearable.

Surgical treatment is not always indicated for herniated discs and in many cases can be treated conservatively.
In some cases, herniated discs are detected in patients during magnetic resonance or computed tomography, but patients do not experience symptoms of herniation.

The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disc are:

• sciatica – radiating, aching pain, sometimes with tingling and numbness, that starts in the buttock and radiates down the back or side of the leg;
• pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, leg, or neck, shoulders, chest, or arm;
• Pain in the lower back or pain in the legs that gets worse when sitting or when coughing and sneezing.

When to see a doctor.

• If you experience back pain that does not go away within a week, see your doctor for an examination.
• With conservative treatment, back pain can last up to three weeks. If you don’t feel better within three weeks, call your doctor.
• See your doctor if you cannot control your urination and bowel movements, which is also possible with herniated discs.
• Call your doctor if you feel numbness or weakness in one or both legs.
• A herniated disc or tumor of the spinal cord can compress several nerve roots in the spine. This condition, called cauda equina syndrome, is a rare but potentially dangerous complication. Urgent surgery may be required to correct the strangulation.

The spine consists of more than 30 bones (vertebrae) interconnected by muscles, ligaments, tendons and intervertebral discs. A problem in any part of the spine can cause back pain. In some cases, back pain can be minor, while in others it can be severe and excruciating.

Back pain can occur suddenly or develop gradually as a result of age-related changes in the spine. In most cases, back pain – even severe or persistent – disappears with conservative treatment within 4 to 6 weeks. Surgical treatment is not always required and is usually considered only as a last resort.

The most common cause of back pain is muscle or ligament injury. Muscle and ligament damage can occur for many reasons, including heavy lifting, poor posture, lack of regular exercise, and being overweight. Back pain can also result from more serious injuries such as a fractured vertebrae or a torn disc, arthritis, certain infections, and other age-related changes in the spine.

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Surgical treatment of diseases of the disc of the cervical spine
Surgical treatment of diseases of the lumbar disc
Diseases and injuries that cause back pain
Pain in the neck
Tunnel neuropathies

Pain in the leg and arm with a herniated disc of the spine

With osteochondrosis (degeneration) of the intervertebral disc, the tissue of the fibrous ring of the disc is weakened. The stratified ring is stretched and does not hold the soft gel of the nucleus pulposus (the central part of the disc). The nucleus of the disc is displaced and the disc bulges. This bulge is called a disc protrusion.

How leg and lower back pain occurs with lumbar disc herniation

If the annulus ruptures, the disc nucleus protrudes towards the root (figure below).

Disc protrusion and spine pressure – yellow arrow

Rupture of the disc nucleus through the fibrous ring – orange arrow.

The disc may protrude into the spinal canal. Then a large hernia is formed.

If the hernia is large, then it presses on the root (figure below), causing its inflammation (red inflamed root is indicated by an arrow).

If the disc presses on the lumbar root, inflammation of the root occurs. Inflammation of the root is sciatica. Sciatica at the level of the lower back is manifested by pain in the sciatic. In the neck – pain in the arm (see below), in the thoracic spine – pain in the chest or abdomen.

In the lower back, a large disc herniation, penetrating into the spinal canal, can put pressure on several roots at the same time. In this case, a cauda equina symptom occurs, which is often an absolute indication for surgical removal of a herniated disc.

Cervical herniated arm pain

Cervical disc herniation that presses on the spine can cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain.

Thoracic disc herniation

A herniated disc of the thoracic spine is manifested by pain between the shoulder blades, pain under the shoulder blade, pain in the side, intercostal neuralgia, pain in the chest and even in the abdomen.

The most dangerous is a large herniated disc of the thoracic spine (figure below). Penetrating into the spinal canal, it can compress the spinal cord and cause weakness, numbness of the legs and disrupt urination.

Herniated thoracic disc that has penetrated the spinal canal – yellow arrow

Compressed spinal cord in the thoracic spine – orange arrow.

If the disc herniation is large, it can cause spinal pain, radicular pain, and pain along the nerves.

Treatment of a herniated disc without surgery

Treatment of a herniated disc without surgery is possible. Our 40-year practice has shown that even large hernias are amenable to non-surgical treatment. To do this, evaluate a number of indicators of the biomechanics of the spine and clarify the size of the hernia and anthropometric data of the spine, its statics and biomechanics. Your doctor will perform a neurological and orthopedic examination (this is done in one appointment, since the doctors of the Meddiagnostics Center are proficient in these two specialties).

A consultation with a neurologist and a traumatologist is included in one consultation with a doctor from the Meddiagnostics Center. Regarding disc herniation, the doctors of the Center have neurological and orthopedic methods of diagnosis and treatment.

For the treatment of disc herniation without surgery, it is important:

1. Assess the size of the disc herniation and its location (localization), as well as the biomechanics of the spine
2. Remove local, in the area of ​​hernia, inflammation and reduce pain.
3. Improve water exchange in the disc, reduce disc swelling.
4. Repair herniated disc. For this, several approaches are used. One such method is the decompression method. Those. relieving the pressure of a herniated disc on the spine or other structures of the spine. One of the methods of decompression is traction therapy (or traction).
5. Provide a short rehabilitation to ensure that the hernia does not recur.

There are cases when a hernia can be repaired in several sessions. Sometimes even for one. This is possible with disc protrusion and a small hernia. If the hernia is large and accompanied by pain in the leg, then a course of treatment will be needed to cure it. As it was with one of our many patients, Irina, the results of which are visible on the MRI, which is below.

Naturally, the treatment of disc herniation without surgery is undertaken only when there is no absolute indication for urgent surgery.