Is tingling an indication of a slipped disc?

General Information

A herniated disc can cause individually very different symptoms and consequences. A frequently perceived symptom is a lack of sensation in the form of tingling at various locations. The tingling is called “paresthesia” in medicine and can be explained by the processes in the spine caused by the herniation.

The location at which the tingling is perceived is significantly influenced by the height of the herniated disc. Depending on which nerve is affected by the herniation, the tingling and other symptoms can occur in different parts of the body. The tingling is not treated in isolation, since the therapy of the herniated disc itself is in the foreground and if the therapy is successful, the discomfort usually disappears.

Tingling at different locations of the body is one of the most frequently perceived symptoms after a herniated disc. The tingling sensation can occur in different parts of the body, depending on the location of the herniation. Together with the tingling sensation, other symptoms such as pain or disturbances of sensitivity or motor function can occur at the same location.

The symptoms that occur after a herniated disc are typically localized on a region of the body and can radiate into the arms and legs. Especially if the tingling persists over a longer period of time and is not due to an accidental pinching of a nerve by pressure, a herniated disc is a possible cause. To be sure that the perceived symptoms are symptoms of a herniated disc, a doctor should be consulted who can make a comprehensive diagnosis.

The therapy of the tingling sensation that occurs during a herniated disc depends on the therapy of the herniated disc itself. As soon as the nerves are relieved by the therapy of the herniated disc, the tingling usually disappears by itself. The totality of the occurring symptoms as well as a physical examination can help the attending physician to make the suspected diagnosis of a herniated disc. Certainty about the diagnosis of a herniated disc usually exists after the performance of a magnetic resonance imaging.

Tingling on the arm

A tingling sensation in the arm can occur for various reasons. Usually, an impairment of certain nerves is responsible for the sensation. A herniated disc in the cervical or thoracic spine can also cause tingling in the arm.

This leads to an impairment of the nerves that leave the spine at the site of the herniated disc in the direction of the arm. Since herniated discs in the cervical and thoracic spine are relatively rare, the tingling in the arm is also rarely a sign of a herniated disc. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time or are accompanied by other complaints, a clarification by a physician is nevertheless recommended.