Spinal Stenosis vs. Herniated Disc: What Your Pain Is Telling You

Spinal stenosis and herniated discs are conditions that affect the spine. They can cause significant symptoms that affect school, work, and social activities.

Both conditions cause back pain, but there are differences between the two. If you're living with pain or other symptoms, Dr. Steven J. Svabek can help determine the cause and provide effective treatment at his practice in Coral Springs, Florida.

Dr. Svabek is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who performs spine surgery among other options to alleviate the symptoms of herniated discs and spinal stenosis.

What’s a herniated disc?

Between each spinal vertebra is a spongy disc that acts as a shock absorber, allowing you to bend and move with ease. Over time, these discs wear down and become injured. One issue that can arise is a herniated disc.

Herniated discs occur when the soft inner portion of the disc protrudes from the outer, tough layer. That leads to multiple symptoms that include:

Back pain
Arm or leg pain
Weakness
Numbness and tingling

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary in severity, potentially leading to sciatica-like pain that radiates down one leg.

Herniated discs happen for many reasons, including as a result of aging, traumatic injuries, and improperly lifting heavy objects.

Understanding spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the space between vertebrae, which houses the spinal cord, narrows. This narrowing results in compression of nerves and symptoms that include:

Back or neck pain
Numbness and tingling
Weakness in the arms or legs
Pain that worsens with long periods of standing
Pain that extends down the leg

Like herniated discs, spinal stenosis can occur in the neck down to the low back. The symptoms can vary and usually develop slowly over time.

Conditions that can lead to spinal stenosis include osteoarthritis, spinal fractures, thickened ligaments, and even herniated discs. It can also be a congenital condition.

What’s the difference in pain?

Although the symptoms of spinal stenosis and a herniated disc can be similar, there’s at least one significant difference — the onset of pain.

Spinal stenosis is a condition that develops gradually as the spinal canal narrows. Symptoms may start intermittently or mildly and progressively worsen.

Spinal stenosis also causes dull or aching pain that slowly worsens. A herniated disc causes sudden, sharp pain localized typically to the affected nerve. Spinal stenosis may also feel more like sciatica, while a herniated disc causes other issues.

Spinal stenosis may affect multiple levels of the spine; herniated discs usually affect only 1-2 levels.

Don't let spinal stenosis or a herniated disc affect your quality of life. Call the office of Steven J. Svabek, DO, PA, or request an appointment online today to learn what’s causing your back pain and how we can treat it.