Herniated Discs

Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft, gel-like discs that act as shock absorbers. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the tough, outer layer of the disc (annulus) tears and the soft, inner core (nucleus pulposus) leaks out and puts pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness, especially if the disc is pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine), but they can also happen in the neck (cervical spine).

What Causes a Herniated Disc?
Common causes include:

• Aging and disc degeneration
• Repetitive lifting, twisting, or bending
• Sudden injury or trauma
• Prolonged poor posture or sitting
• Genetic predisposition to disc problems

You may not always know when the disc herniated—some people feel a sharp pain immediately, while others develop symptoms gradually.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Back or neck pain (often one-sided)
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness in a specific area
• Pain that worsens with movement or certain positions
• Sciatica (radiating pain down one leg)
• Loss of coordination or balance (in severe cases)

If you experience loss of bowel or bladder control, seek immediate medical attention, this could signal a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome.

Diagnosis and Evaluation
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Diagnostic tools may include:

• X-rays: To rule out other spine issues
• MRI or CT scans: To clearly view disc herniation and nerve involvement
• Nerve conduction studies: In cases with significant weakness or numbness

Treatment Options
Most herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatments, especially in the first 6–12 weeks.

Non-Surgical Care

• Rest and activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility
• Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
• Heat/ice therapy and posture training

Many patients experience relief through a combination of these approaches, without the need for surgery.

Surgical Options
If pain persists or symptoms worsen, especially in cases with nerve compression or muscle weakness, surgery may be recommended. The most common procedure is a microdiscectomy, which removes the portion of the disc that’s pressing on the nerve.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques often result in faster recovery times and less tissue disruption.

Recovery and Rehabilitation
After surgery, most patients experience rapid relief of leg or arm pain and gradually return to normal activities. Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the spine and prevent future issues.

Our spine specialists combine diagnostic expertise with personalized treatment planning—offering the full spectrum of care, from conservative therapies to minimally invasive surgery.