Herniated Disc Specialist

What is a herniated disc?

Intervertebral discs separate and cushion each vertebral bone in your spine. These discs act as shock-absorbers and support spine flexibility.

If your disc tears or moves out of place, you have a herniated disc. You may develop a herniated disc from an acute injury to the spine. However, a herniated disc most often occurs from the gradual wear and tear on the disc that occurs over time. 

You may have a herniated disc in any part of your spine, but they most often affect the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine. 

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Herniated disc symptoms vary depending on the severity of the herniation, the location, and whether the disc is pressing on a nerve or not. Common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness

You may find that your symptoms worsen during activity and improve when resting. Your herniated disc may also cause symptoms that radiate to your arms or legs. 

Can a herniated disc cause sciatica?

A herniated disc is a common cause of sciatica. Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve causes sciatica. Bone spurs, osteoarthritis, or an injury to the spine may also cause this common pain condition.

Your sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in your body. It travels from your lumbar spine to the end of your leg on both sides of your body. When compressed or irritated, you may feel pain, numbness, weakness, or electric shock-like sensations that travel down one side of your body. 

How is a herniated disc treated?

When you visit Kellogg Brain and Spine for help managing your herniated disc symptoms, they conduct a comprehensive evaluation to formulate an accurate diagnosis and design the most effective treatment plan.

In most cases, the team recommends conservative treatments such as over-the-counter pain medication, activity modification, and physical therapy to alleviate herniated disc symptoms.

However, if you continue to experience symptoms or your symptoms worsen, the team may recommend surgical intervention. The type of surgery you need may depend on the location of your herniated disc and your overall health. 

Herniated disc surgical options may include:

Disc replacement

Disc replacement is a type of arthroplasty that replaces your damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial disc. The team offers disc replacement surgery when possible because it not only alleviates your pain but also restores spine mobility and function. 

Decompression discectomy

Decompression discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of your herniated disc pressing on a nerve. 

For expert care of your herniated disc, call Kellogg Brain and Spine or schedule an appointment online today.