A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a damaged intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs separate each vertebra in your spine and act as a cushion and a shock-absorber.
Your intervertebral discs have a soft gel-like interior — nucleus pulposus — and a tough exterior — annulus. A herniated disc occurs when pressure from the vertebrae above and below the disc forces some or all of the nucleus pulposus to break through a weakened portion of the annulus.
The herniation may irritate or compress a spinal nerve root or your spinal cord, causing back or leg pain. Herniated discs may develop in any part of your spine, but they most commonly occur in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine.
You may develop a herniated disc from a fall or lifting injury. However, the disc damage most often occurs from degenerative changes that happen as you get older.
Not everyone with a herniated disc has symptoms. However, if your herniated disc irritates a nerve, you may experience:
Sciatica is a collection of nerve-induced pain symptoms that develop from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine is a common cause of sciatica.
Dr. Singla takes a patient-centered approach to care and conducts in-depth evaluations when you come seeking help for your herniated disc.
She asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started, the type of pain you feel, and how your discomfort affects your daily routine. Dr. Singla performs a physical exam, paying close attention to your spine and the source of your pain.
To determine the location and severity of your herniated disc, Dr. Singla requests diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.
Dr. Singla takes a non-surgical approach for the treatment of herniated discs. With the right care plan, most herniated discs resolve with conservative interventions.
Some of the herniated disc treatment options available at Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine include:
Dr. Singla adjusts your treatment as needed to ensure you get the best results.
For expert herniated disc care, call Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, or request an appointment online today.
