Types of Disc Herniations:

1. Cervical Disc Herniation:

   • Occurs in the cervical (neck) region of the spine. Symptoms may include neck pain, shoulder pain, and radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down the arms and into the hands.

2. Thoracic Disc Herniation:

   • Occurs in the thoracic (mid-back) region of the spine. Although less common, symptoms can include pain in the upper back, chest, or abdomen, and may mimic other conditions such as cardiac issues.

3. Lumbar Disc Herniation:

   • Occurs in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. Symptoms often include lower back pain, sciatica (pain radiating down the leg), numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs and feet.

Stages of Disc Herniation:

1. Bulging Disc:

   • The disc protrudes outward but the outer layer (annulus fibrosus) remains intact. This can cause mild to moderate pain and discomfort.

2. Protruding Disc:

   • The inner gel-like core (nucleus pulposus) begins to push against the outer layer, causing more noticeable bulging and potentially more significant symptoms.

3. Extruded Disc:

   • The nucleus pulposus breaks through the outer layer but remains within the disc. This can cause severe pain and neurological symptoms due to nerve root compression.

4. Sequestered Disc (Free Fragment):

   • A fragment of the nucleus pulposus breaks off and becomes a free-floating piece within the spinal canal. This can cause significant pain and neurological symptoms.