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Herniation of the Discs
A herniated disc is a condition in which an intervertebral disc, or more specifically the tough cartilaginous outer layer of a disc known as the annulus fibrosis, breaks open and the gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus oozes out, sometimes into the spinal canal or foramen in the vertebrae. When it does leak into one of these areas, it can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, and this constriction of nerves can result in pain and other symptoms such as:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- More
The area of the body where you experience these symptoms depends on the location of the herniated disc in your spine. For example, the nerves in the cervical spine or upper back and neck are responsible for transmitting signals to the neck, upper back, and arms. Therefore, a herniated disc pushing on one of the nerve roots in the cervical spine would cause symptoms to be experienced in one or more of these regions.
Herniated Disc Treatments
Conservative herniated disc treatments include:
- Epidural cortisone injections
- Spinal decompression
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
- Exercise
- Rest
- Pain medications
- Ice/heat compression therapy
- More
For more information on treating a herniated disc, including the minimally invasive procedures performed at our facilities, contact Laser Spine Institute. One of our doctors will provide you with a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan and let you know if you qualify as a potential patient.