A herniated disc is a common cause of persistent back or neck pain. The pain management specialists at University Pain Medicine Associate understand how debilitating pain from herniated discs can be.
We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services that focus on easing your pain and increasing the mobility of your spine.
Whether you need conservative care, such as physical therapy, or surgery to remove a damaged disc, you can expect treatments tailored to your needs. Call the New York Pain Medicine Associate office nearest you or request a consultation online today.
Between the vertebrae that make up your spine are protective discs that absorb the impact of your movements and provide stability in your spine.
Over time, these discs can degenerate, or break down and push the soft gel-like center of the disc, outward — a condition known as a herniated disc. You can also develop a herniated disc after a spine injury from lifting, sports, or other trauma to the area.
When portions of the nucleus press on nearby spinal nerves, it can result in persistent lower back pain or neck pain in the area of the disc. As your condition worsens, you can develop other symptoms that interfere with your mobility and quality of life.
Treatment for herniated discs depends on your specific injury. You may benefit from rest, medications, injections, and physical therapy. If these don’t help, you may need a surgical procedure. Our specialists prioritize minimally invasive care, and will work to create a care plan that’s right for you.
Many people have a herniated disc without any noticeable symptoms. However, if pressure increases on the surrounding spinal nerves, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness. These symptoms can also affect the arms and legs, depending on the location of the disc.
A herniated disc left untreated can also cause other painful symptoms or medical conditions such as:
Sciatica describes lower back pain that results from pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated disc. This long nerve starts in your lower back, extends down into your hips and legs, and provides feeling in those areas. Sciatic pain can be sharp, burning, or radiating and may worsen with certain movements.
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition where a herniated disc or other spinal issue puts pressure on the root nerves in the cervical spine, or “neck”. Compression of the root nerve can lead to shooting neck pain, weakness, and even numbness in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
The initial treatment plan for herniated discs focuses on conservative therapies like anti-inflammatory medications, rest, slight lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.
If these therapies and modifications aren’t enough to ease your pain and improve your mobility, your New York Pain Medicine Associate specialist may recommend:
Minimally invasive surgical procedures may be necessary to treat chronic pain and disability that results from a herniated disc. The New York Pain Medicine Associate team uses the latest surgical techniques for artificial disc replacements, spinal fusions, and other spine repair surgeries to help you live a pain-free, active life.
To learn more about treatment options for a herniated disc, call New York Pain Medicine Associate or request an appointment online today.