Herniated Disc Specialist

What is a herniated disc?

You have rubbery discs between your vertebrae that cushion and protect your spine, allowing you to bend and twist easily. The discs have a firm outer shell that encloses a soft gel-like interior. A herniated disc occurs when a break in the outer shell allows the soft center to bulge out.

Your spine doesn’t have space for inflammation or bulging discs, so when this happens, the bulge can compress and irritate the nerves that travel through your spine, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in your back as well as your legs or arms.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

The most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs or arms. For example, a herniated disc in your lower spine is one of the most common causes of sciatica. You may also have back pain and a reduced range of motion.

What causes a herniated disc?

You’re most likely to develop a herniated disc in your lumbar (lower) spine, although you may also have a herniated disc in your neck. In most cases, age-related wear and tear cause herniated discs. As you age, your spinal discs become dry and less flexible, which makes them more vulnerable to injury. You can also develop a herniated disc with a sharp or sudden twisting motion in your back or if you lift a heavy object incorrectly.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

The expert physicians at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine diagnose herniated discs with a comprehensive exam and consultation. Your doctor begins with a conversation about your medical history as well as pain and other symptoms. During the physical exam, your doctor feels your spine for signs of swelling or abnormalities. Your doctor may ask you to walk around the office and bend, twist, and stretch your back to see how your pain affects your range of motion.

In some cases, your physician will order diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to get more detailed information about your spine to confirm your diagnosis.

How is a herniated disc treated?

The physicians at North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine provide customized treatment programs to treat herniated discs. They often combine a variety of treatments and therapies to relieve pain and heal the condition causing it. For example, your treatment plan may include:

• Pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Massage
• Hot and cold therapies
• Cortisone injections

If you’re living with back pain or pain and numbness that radiates through your legs and arms, call North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine or schedule a consultation online today.