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4 Warning Signs of a Herniated Disc
December 15, 2025
Back pain usually starts small. Maybe it shows up after a long day of work or a bad night’s sleep. But when that ache gets sharp or shoots down your leg and won’t let up, there might be something more serious going on.
“That kind of pain can often be a sign of a herniated disc,” says William Conaway, MD, a spine surgeon with Hartford HealthCare’s Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute. “The earlier you recognize the symptoms, the sooner you can get treatment — and prevent long-term damage.”
Here are four warning signs you back pain could be caused by a herniated disc.
1. Sharp or radiating pain
When a disc herniates, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain that travels beyond your back. Instead of staying in one spot, it may move into your buttock, hip, thigh or all the way down your leg.
“The pain might start in your lower back and travel into your buttock, thigh or leg,” says Dr. Conaway. “Some people describe it as shooting, burning or even electric.”
If pain worsens when you cough, sneeze, bend forward or sit for long periods, that’s another sign the nerves may be involved.
> Related: 3 Signs Your Back Pain Is Actually a Herniated Disc
2. Numbness or tingling
That pins-and-needles feeling in your leg or foot is easy to brush off — but it shouldn’t be ignored.
Numbness or tingling often means a nerve is being compressed. You might notice it on one side of your body, or in a specific area like your calf, foot or toes.
“You might notice tingling in one side of your body, or an area that just feels oddly numb,” says Dr. Conaway. “Those sensory changes are one of the biggest red flags we look for.”
3. Muscle weakness
A herniated disc doesn’t just affect how things feel — it can also change how your muscles work.
If a nerve is compressed long enough, the muscles it controls may weaken. You might notice trouble lifting your foot, climbing stairs or standing up from a seated position.
“If you start noticing weakness in your legs, or you’re tripping more often, that’s concerning,” says Dr. Conaway. “It means the nerve compression is affecting muscle control.”
This symptom is especially important to address early, since ongoing weakness can be harder to reverse.
> Related: 5 Best Stretches for Back Pain
4. Pain that won’t go away
Most everyday back pain improves within a few weeks with rest, gentle movement and over-the-counter medication. Herniated disc pain often doesn’t follow that pattern.
“When pain lasts more than four to six weeks, or keeps recurring, it’s worth checking for disc issues,” says Dr. Conaway. “Chronic back pain is not something to just live with.”
The longer nerve irritation continues, the more likely it is to impact daily activities, sleep and overall quality of life.
> Related: Tired of Waking Up With Neck or Back Pain? Try These 5 Tips
Here’s when it’s time to see your doctor
Back pain is common, but when nerves are involved, you shouldn’t ignore it.
“If you have radiating pain, numbness or weakness that lasts more than a few days, call your doctor,” says Dr. Conaway. “We can identify what’s causing it and start treatment early, before it gets worse.”
Early care often means more conservative treatment options — and faster relief — helping you protect your spine and get back to moving comfortably again.