Herniated Disc Specialist

What is a herniated disc?

Your spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that are separated into four sections:

• Cervical spine (neck)
• Thoracic spine (midback)
• Lumbar spine (low back)
• Sacral region

Separating these vertebrae are 23 discs, which provide shock absorption along your spine. Each disc has a tough, fibrous outer layer that encompasses a soft, jelly-like interior, which is what provides the cushioning between your vertebral bones.

A herniated disc goes by many names — ruptured disc, pinched nerve, bulging disc — but the end result is the same: your disc protrudes out from between your vertebrae or some of its interior gel leaks out and irritates the nerves in the area.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

The most common symptom of a herniated disc is the pain. The pain can be localized at the site of the disc, or the disc can irritate a nerve in the area that causes the pain to radiate — down your leg if it’s in your lumbar spine or down your shoulders and arms if the compromised disc is in your neck.

In addition to pain, you may also feel radiating numbness and tingling, or even experience muscle weakness.

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is rarely the result of an acute injury but is usually something that develops over time. The wear and tear you place on your spine, coupled with the natural breakdown and dehydration of your discs as you age, can lead to tearing or rupture.

Most herniated discs occur in your low back, which makes sense given the burden it bears in terms of support and mobility. The second most common site for problematic discs is in your neck, also an area that’s responsible for a considerable amount of support and movement.

How is a herniated disc treated?

The spine specialists at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center are equipped with a state-of-the-art imaging facility, which is typically your second stop after meeting with your doctor and reviewing your symptoms and medical history.

Once your doctor determines the location and severity of your herniated disc, they come up with a treatment plan, starting out conservatively at first and only becoming more aggressive if your pain and discomfort persist. These treatments may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections

If your herniated disc doesn’t respond to these treatments, your doctor may turn to a minimally invasive surgical solution, including:

• Microdiscectomy
• Disc replacement
• Spinal fusion

The goal at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center is to alleviate your pain and get you back to moving freely again, so your doctor brings as many options to bear as is necessary to restore your quality of life.

If you have a herniated disc, trust the spine experts at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.