Herniated Disc Pain Management Specialists
Herniated Disc
Condition Overview
Imagine your spine is a tower made up of building blocks called vertebrae. A disc is like a soft cushion between two of these blocks that acts as a shock absorber when you move around during the day.
When a disc is herniated, it’s like a cushion being squished or pushed out of place. If too much pressure is placed upon it, it can start to bulge or even leak, and that’s when most people start to feel pain.
Disc herniation can result from lifting heavy objects, twisting awkwardly or aging. Repetitive stress, known as disc degeneration, can also contribute.
Experiencing pain from a herniated, ruptured or slipped disc? Talk to one of our specialists on your path to relief.
Videos
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Symptoms of Herniated Discs
The most commonly experienced symptom of a herniated disc is sciatica pain — discomfort that radiates along the sciatic nerve, typically causing pain in the lower back that extends down the buttocks and legs. Other common symptoms include:
- Arm pain. If the disc you’ve herniated is in your neck, the pain is most commonly felt in the shoulders and arms, sometimes reaching down to the hands and fingers.
- Leg pain. Like mentioned above, sciatica pain most often impacts the buttocks, thighs, legs, feet and toes.
- Numbness and tingling. Sometimes a herniated disc can compress a nerve root, blocking communication with the brain, leading to numbness and tingling.
- Weakness. The muscles in your body that are impacted by compressed nerves experience additional strain, which can lead to muscle weakness. This may result in stumbling, fumbling or difficulty with fine motor control.
Diagnosis of Disc Herniation
Diagnosing herniated disc pain at Nura involves a thorough evaluation by our pain specialists. We start with a detailed review of your medical history and a comprehensive physical examination to assess symptoms and identify the affected area. Advanced imaging tests, such as MRI scans, may be used to visualize the spine and confirm the diagnosis, especially if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Understanding the specific location and severity of the herniation is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs.
Treatments for Slipped, Ruptured or Herniated Discs
A herniated disc can be diagnosed through physical exams and a medical history review. However, to get the most thorough analysis possible and rule out other possible conditions causing the pain, imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans or MRIs may be recommended.
Treatment for a slipped, ruptured or herniated disc will depend on how severe your specialist determines the condition is. Simple physical therapy works for some, while medication or injections help others with their pain management. Treatment avenues available at Nura include:
Real people, real stories
My quality of life went from 10% to 150%.
Nearly 10 years ago, while she was being treated for a herniated disc, Rachel Saum’s life took a dramatic change for the worse.
The doctor who was treating her accidentally injected dye directly into Rachel’s spinal column. The dye destroyed a critical membrane and caused the onset of an extremely rare, incredibly painful condition.
Read More
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
