The pain is usually across the back if a lumbar disc is injured. In the neck, the discs can cause neck pain and sometimes nagging pain into the head, shoulder, or arm. The good news is that there are ways to determine if this is your problem. A discogram is an invasive test that involves an injection, but it can help confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is an option, but a little controversial.
Some patients do very well, while others do very poorly.
Physical therapy can really help manage the pain. Traction can also help manage this syndrome at home.