A herniated disc and spinal stenosis can both put pressure on spinal nerves, but they develop for different reasons. A herniated disc occurs when material from the softer center of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened or torn outer layer, while spinal stenosis refers to narrowing around the spinal cord or nerves.
Because both conditions may cause back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain, you often need an evaluation to tell them apart. Orthopaedic spine care can help identify what’s causing your symptoms and which solutions make sense for you.
With locations in Wichita, Wellington, and Winfield, KS, Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. treats a range of spinal conditions. The team includes fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon Jacob Birlingmair, MD, who completed a combined orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine fellowship at Norton Leatherman Spine Center and treats disc herniations, spinal stenosis, degenerative disease, fractures, and spinal injuries.
What Happens With a Herniated Disc?
Your spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and help absorb forces as you move. Each disc has a softer center surrounded by a tougher outer layer. When the inner material pushes outward through a weakened or damaged area, the disc becomes herniated.
Some herniated discs cause few or no symptoms. Trouble can develop when disc material irritates or compresses a nearby nerve. A herniated disc in the lower back may cause sciatica, including sharp or burning pain that travels through the buttock and leg. You might also notice tingling, numbness, or weakness.
How Is Spinal Stenosis Different?
Spinal stenosis means there isn’t as much room as there should be around the spinal cord or nerve roots. In the lower back, age-related changes such as arthritis, loss of disc height, thickened ligaments, or bone overgrowth can contribute to this narrowing.
Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the buttocks or legs. Symptoms might worsen with standing or walking and may ease when you sit or lean forward.
One condition can also contribute to the other. A bulging or herniated disc may take up space in an already narrowed spinal canal, so your symptoms might not fit neatly into one category.
How Can You Tell Which Condition You Have?
Symptoms give your doctor clues, but they don’t always reveal the cause on their own. Your evaluation may include a discussion of when your pain started, what movements worsen it, where symptoms travel, and any numbness or weakness you’ve noticed. A physical exam and imaging help identify changes affecting the discs, spinal canal, and nerves.
Treatment varies based on the source and severity of your symptoms. Many spine problems can be managed without surgery at first. When surgery becomes appropriate, Advanced Orthopaedic Associates also performs procedures such as discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and minimally invasive or robotic-assisted spine surgery.
Get Answers About Your Back or Neck Pain
Similar symptoms can have very different causes, so knowing what’s happening in your spine matters. To schedule an appointment at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, book online or call 316-631-1600 in Wichita, 620-399-1229 in Wellington, or 620-221-2300 in Winfield.