Signs and symptoms depend on where the disc is situated and whether the disc is pressing on a nerve. Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, although they can also occur in the neck, and usually affect one side of the body. You will most likely experience: Pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf , if your herniated disc is in your lower back Sharp or burning pain in your shoulder and arm , if your herniated disc is in your neck Poor control, difficulty walking and clumsiness of the hands if your herniated disc involves your cervical spine and spinal cord Numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves Loss of bladder control or bowel control in large disc prolapses