Is a torn disc the same as a herniated disc? what effects could an l4-l5 torn disc cause?

Maybe not: The cushions between our vertebrae are termed discs, and the jelly-like substance within is held together by a basket like device (nucleus fibrosis), which can get torn to a minor extent due to trauma. A full blown rent can be a fully herniated disc, which causes pain, numbness, weakness. A minor tear may be actually not noticed and asymptomatic, or cause lbp and stiffness.

The term torn as you: Are using it would imply a tear of the outer coating of a disc known as an annular tear. This is different from a disc herniation which occurs when a piece of a core of the disc called the nucleus polposusmoves through the annular tear. Boh can cause painor can be painless, incidental findings on a mri. These tears canbe the result of norms. Disc aging or can be traumatic in nature. Most heal.