What is a Herniated Disc?
Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae of your spine, acting as shock absorbers and allowing flexibility. Each disc contains:
- A soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus)
- A tough, fibrous outer layer (annulus fibrosus)
A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer tears, allowing the inner material to bulge or leak out. Due to its proximity to the spinal cord and nerves, a herniated disc can compress or irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc can develop from:
- Trauma or injury – Sudden accidents, such as falls or car crashes
- Wear and tear (degeneration with age) – Discs naturally weaken over time
- Excess weight – Added stress on the spine increases the risk of disc injury
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications—schedule an evaluation today!
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
The location of the herniated disc determines the symptoms:
- Cervical Herniated Disc (Neck Region)
- Neck pain that worsens with movement
- Pain radiating into the trapezius, shoulder blades, and arms
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or hands
- Lumbar Herniated Disc (Lower Back Region)
- Lower back pain with radiating pain into the buttocks, legs, or feet
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Diagnosis: Identifying a Herniated Disc
At OPS Surgery Center, our team performs a comprehensive medical evaluation, including:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Advanced imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan, to confirm the presence of a herniated disc
Once diagnosed, we create a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your pain and restore mobility.
Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
At OPS Surgery Center, we offer a range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to help relieve pain and improve function.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
- Physical therapy – Strengthens muscles and improves flexibility
- Anti-inflammatory medications – Reduces swelling and pain
Interventional Pain Management Therapies
- Epidural Steroid Injections – Delivers targeted anti-inflammatory medication to reduce nerve irritation
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Uses heat energy to desensitize pain-causing nerves
- Facet Joint Blocks – Alleviates pain from arthritic spinal joints
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Options
- Microdiscectomy – A minimally invasive surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc
- Spinal Decompression Therapy – Relieves pressure on the spinal nerves
Get Back to Pain-Free Living with OPS Surgery Center
If you're experiencing persistent pain, weakness, or numbness, early intervention is crucial. At OPS Surgery Center, we offer expert diagnosis and advanced treatment solutions to help you restore function and live pain-free.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore your best treatment options!
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