Herniated Disc

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) surrounded by 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 a nerve, leading to pain, weakness, inflammation, and numbness.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc can develop from:

• Trauma – Sudden injuries, such as from falls or accidents
• Age-Related Degeneration – Gradual wear and tear weakens the disc over time
• Excess Weight – Increased stress on the spine raises the risk of disc damage

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc in the Neck

A herniated disc in the cervical spine (neck) often leads to localized pain, as well as radiating symptoms that affect surrounding areas. Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain that worsens with movement
• Pain radiating into the trapezius, shoulder blades, and arms
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or hands

If you are experiencing these symptoms, OPS Surgery Center can provide expert evaluation and treatment to help you find relief.

Diagnosis: Identifying a Herniated Disc

At OPS Surgery Center, our team performs a comprehensive medical evaluation, including:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
• Advanced imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the presence of a herniated disc

Once diagnosed, we create a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your pain and restore mobility.

Don’t let a herniated disc keep you from living life to the fullest—schedule a consultation with OPS Surgery Center today!