Can a Herniated Disk Cause Paralysis

Yes, a herniated disk can cause paralysis if the injury is severe enough and goes untreated. When a disk ruptures and presses on your spinal cord or a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina, it can cut off the signals between your brain and your legs. This is called cauda equina syndrome and it is a medical emergency. If you have a herniated disk and suddenly lose control of your bladder or bowels, experience numbness in your groin area, or notice weakness in both legs, you need to get to a hospital immediately. Without emergency surgery, this type of spinal compression can leave you permanently paralyzed from the waist down.