HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A HERNIATED DISC?
A herniated disc can be painful, annoying, and frustrating. Understanding what is happening in your spine can help you find the best care possible.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is most common in the lumbar, or lower, portion of the spine, but can occur in any part of the spine. The bones, called vertebrae, that comprise your spine are stacked to form a column. Between each vertebrae is a protective disc. When the gel-like center of a disc slips through a weakened area of the tough outer layer, you may have a herniated disc.
Injury or age-related wear and tear can lead to a weakened or damaged outer layer of a disc that commonly results in a herniated disc. When the gel-like center of a disc leaks out, it can put pressure on nearby nerves. This irritation results in pain.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
The location of the herniated disc plays a significant role in the symptoms that manifest. A herniated disc in the cervical or upper neck area of the spine could produce symptoms in your arms. A herniated disc is in the lumbar or lower area of the spine could cause symptoms in your hips or legs.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of a herniated disc, you may need treatment. Find your condition below with our online condition tool.
HOW IS A HERNIATED DISC TREATED?
Trying to find the best treatment and care for your herniated disc condition can be overwhelming. How do you know what is the best option? Learn how a herniated disc is treated below.
Non-Surgical Treatments for a Herniated Disc
Typically, the experts at Oasis Orthopedic and Spine will begin a herniated disc treatment with non-surgical options. Common non-surgical treatment options for a herniated disc include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Heat/cold therapy
- Stretching exercises and activity modifications
Surgical Treatments for a Herniated Disc
If a herniated disc is severe, or non-surgical options do not provide relief from symptoms, the experts at Oasis Orthopedic and Spine may recommend a surgical treatment. Surgery could remove all or a portion of the herniated disc. Common surgical treatments for a herniated disc include:
- Anterior or Posterior Cervical Discectomy
- Endoscopic Foraminotomy
- Laser Spine Surgery
- Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Whether your herniated disc treatment is non-surgical or surgical, seeking help is the first step. Find the right treatment for you with our treatment finder below.