Herniated Discs
Advanced interventions for disc-related nerve compression
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also called a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer ring. This condition most commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back) and cervical spine (neck). Intervertebral discs serve as shock absorbers between vertebrae, and when herniated, they can compress nearby spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
While disc herniation can result from acute injury, it more commonly develops gradually through age-related wear and tear. The natural history is generally favorable, with most patients experiencing significant improvement within six weeks to three months with conservative treatment. Surgery is reserved for cases with severe neurological deficits or pain that doesn't respond to conservative measures.
Common Causes
Age-Related Disc Degeneration
Natural wear and tear causing discs to lose water content, flexibility, and structural integrity
Improper Lifting Technique
Using back muscles instead of legs when lifting heavy objects, or twisting while lifting
Traumatic Injury
Falls, motor vehicle accidents, or direct blows to the spine causing sudden disc rupture
Repetitive Strain
Occupations or activities involving repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting motions
Obesity
Excess body weight placing additional stress on lumbar spine discs
Genetic Predisposition
Family history of disc problems increasing individual susceptibility
Symptoms
Sharp or burning pain radiating along nerve paths
Numbness or tingling in extremities
Muscle weakness in specific muscle groups
Pain worsening with sitting or bending
Pain improving with standing or walking
Loss of reflexes in affected areas
In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction
Reduced range of motion in spine
Advanced Treatment Options
Epidural Steroid Injections
Fluoroscopy-guided injections delivering corticosteroids to reduce nerve root inflammation
Selective Nerve Root Blocks
Targeted injections to specific nerve roots for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
Minimally Invasive Discectomy
Microdiscectomy or endoscopic discectomy with smaller incisions and faster recovery
Percutaneous Disc Decompression
Procedures like nucleoplasty using radiofrequency energy to reduce disc volume
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy
Heat-based treatment to seal disc tears and reduce pain
Artificial Disc Replacement
Surgical implantation of prosthetic disc to maintain motion
Spinal Fusion
Surgical joining of vertebrae to stabilize the spine
Get Expert Treatment for Herniated Discs
Schedule a consultation with our pain management specialists to discuss personalized treatment options.