Dr. Kenneth S. Dauber
Physical Medicine, Spine, Hip and
Conservative Spine Care
View Bio
Dr. Daniel Sunwoo
Physical Medicine and Spine
View Bio
Herniated Disc
What is it?
A Herniated Disc is a common injury that can affect any part of the spine. People often refer to a herniated disc as a slipped or ruptured disc and typically are feeling pain in the neck, back, arms or legs. A vertebral disc contains a gel-like substance surrounded by a ring of cartilage that is the shock absorber of the spine. The discs can be found between the vertebrae bones and are a normal part of the anatomy of the spine and although the spine to bend, twist and flex. When the disc ruptures or herniates part of the fluid or nucleus pushes through the outer edge of the disc known as the annulus and begins to leak into the spinal canal putting pressure on the nerves. The pressure causes the symptoms associated with a herniated disc.
Symptoms
You can herniate a disc without knowing it, they can sometimes show up on spinal images of people who have no symptoms of a disk problem. However, some may cause severe pain including, numbness or tingling, and weakness. Most herniated discs occur in the lumbar spine, but can occur in the cervical spine as well.
Treatment
Treatment options for a herniated disc depend on the location and severity of the injury. It may be treated with pain-relieving medications, muscle relaxers and corticosteroid injections. A person may benefit form physical therapy as well, however, if the conservative treatment options are not effective they may require a surgical procedure.
If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, weakness of the neck, stiffness of the neck or have a spine injury, give us a call 972-250-5700 or make an appointment now.