What is a herniated disc?
Spinal discs are the soft tissue structures in between each of the vertebrae in your spine. Discs have a durable, fibrous outer ring called the annulus, and a gel-like interior center called the nucleus.
Sometimes, the outer annulus deteriorates or becomes damaged, and the inner nucleus becomes displaced, moving outward from the center of the disc. This is known as a herniated disc.
A herniated disc can create pressure on spinal nerves, causing pain and other symptoms. They can occur in any part of the spine, but they’re most common in the neck and lower back.
What causes a herniated disc?
Age is the primary reason that the disc annulus weakens, allowing the nucleus to become herniated. Additional factors that contribute to the condition include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Improper lifting
- Repetitive strenuous activities
- Spinal injuries
If you smoke or you’re overweight, you have an increased risk of developing a herniated disc.
What symptoms commonly occur with a herniated disc?
A herniated disc may cause the following symptoms:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Radiating pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasm
A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of sciatica, a condition that involves the compression of the large sciatic nerve that emerges from the hip and runs down the back of the leg.
Which treatments can address a herniated disc?
The experienced team at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center takes a conservative approach to treatment. Depending on the cause of your condition, your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Physical therapy
- Aquatic therapy
- Traction
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
If a nonsurgical approach doesn’t resolve your pain, surgery may be needed to correct your herniated disc. The expert surgeons at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center perform minimally invasive, outpatient spine surgery because they offer less pain, reduced scarring, and shorter recovery times than traditional surgery.
For safe, effective treatment that relieves the pain of a herniated disc, schedule a consultation with a skilled provider at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery. Call today or make an appointment online.
