Herniated Disc

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc refers to an issue with one of the discs between your vertebrae. A spinal disc can be described as a cushion with a softer, jelly-like center encased by a tougher exterior.

A herniated disc is also called a slipped or ruptured disc and occurs when some of the softer ‘jelly’ parts protrude through a tear in the tougher exterior.

A herniated disc can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain, as well as numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, but they can also happen in the neck.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

In some cases, you might not have any symptoms of a herniated disc other than a mild pain in the area. For others, herniated discs can come along with various symptoms, such as:

• Arm or leg pain that might shoot into other areas when you sneeze, cough, or move your spine into certain positions
• Numbness or tingling in the area (often due to affected nerves)
• Muscle weakness that might cause you to stumble or impair your ability to hold or lift items

If you’re dealing with any kind of lingering back pain, it’s best to visit Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine for an evaluation.

What causes a herniated disc?

Most commonly, disc herniation is the result of aging-related wear and tear that occurs over time. With aging, your spinal discs lose some of the water content, making them less flexible and more prone to rupturing or tearing, even with a minor twist, strain, or movement.

Sometimes, using your back muscles instead of your leg and thigh muscles to lift large and heavy objects can cause a herniated disc. In some cases, a traumatic event like a fall or a blow to the back can lead to a herniated disc.

What are the treatments for a herniated disc?

After an evaluation, discussion, and any necessary testing, your doctor determines the best way to treat your herniated disc. The Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine providers offer various effective treatments for a herniated disc, such as:

• Physical therapy and rehabilitative exercises
• Supportive devices for your back
• Hot or cold therapy
• Steroid injections and other joint injections
• Stem cell therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Acupuncture and electroacupuncture
• Osteopathic manipulation treatments (OMT)
• Limited use of medications when necessary

Find the right solution for your painful herniated disc, and call the office today or book an appointment online.