Symptoms of a herniated disc include: pain in an arm or leg, burning or tingling sensations in the affected area, muscle weakness, pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing, pain or numbness that radiates down one side of the body, pain that worsens at night, or the impending occurrence of a herniated disc. These are all signs to seek medical attention. In addition, a herniated disc may cause symptoms such as loss of strength and sensation in the arms or legs, problems with walking or coordination, incontinence, confusion, and even sudden death. A herniated disc can be diagnosed using standard clinical tests, such as looking for muscle spasms when a patient moves their neck, feeling the size of the spinal column, and checking reflexes. Imaging studies, such as x-rays or MRI scans, can also reveal abnormalities associated with degenerative discs. A bulging disc is similar to a herniated disc in terms of its symptoms and treatment. However, instead of a small piece of material protruding from within the disc, a bulge indicates that something is pushing on one side of the disc. This could be caused by a traumatic event, such as a car accident, or repeated stress over time without proper protection.