Low back or Lumbar Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Herniated Disc
1:58
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Herniated Disc
1746874200
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, depending on where the disc is located. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to assess the extent of the disc damage and nerve involvement.
Herniated discs can happen in different parts of the spine. When it occurs in the neck, or cervical spine, it can cause neck pain, as well as symptoms in the shoulders, arms, or hands. In the mid-back, or thoracic spine, herniated discs are rare but can lead to pain around the chest or ribs. The lower back, or lumbar spine, is the most common location, often leading to sciatica, where pain radiates down the legs.
Several factors can contribute to a herniated disc, including aging, incorrect lifting techniques, repetitive movements, injuries, or genetics.
Most people improve without surgery. Physical therapy can help strengthen the spine and support healing. Medications, such as anti-inflammatories, can reduce pain and inflammation. Injections may be used to relieve nerve irritation, and lifestyle changes, such as maintaining good posture and staying active, can help prevent further problems.
For persistent symptoms, minimally invasive treatments may be an option. Regenerative medicine, such as PRP or stem cell therapy, can help repair damaged tissue. Endoscopic discectomy, a procedure using a small camera, can remove the damaged disc with minimal recovery time. Surgery is only considered if other treatments fail or if there is severe nerve compression.
Most people recover with the right treatment. Talk to our team about the best treatment for you, and let’s work together to get you feeling better.
FAQs
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals use imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to diagnose a herniated disc. These tests help confirm the extent of the damage and the involvement of any nearby nerves, aiding in the development of an appropriate treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniation. Commonly, they include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in affected areas. For example, a cervical herniated disc can lead to neck pain and symptoms in the shoulders, arms, or hands, while a lumbar herniated disc might cause sciatica, radiating pain down the legs.
What is a herniated disc, and what causes it?
A herniated disc happens when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves. This can occur due to factors such as aging, incorrect lifting techniques, repetitive movements, injuries, or genetic predispositions.
What lifestyle changes can help prevent or manage a herniated disc?
Maintaining good posture, staying active, avoiding smoking, and keeping a healthy weight are crucial lifestyle changes to help prevent or manage a herniated disc. These practices support spinal health and reduce the risk of further disc displacement.
What treatment options are available for a herniated disc?
Most herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy to strengthen the spine, medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and injections to relieve nerve irritation. In cases of persistent symptoms, minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic discectomy or regenerative therapies may be considered. Surgery is a last option when other treatments fail.