Herniated Disc

A herniated disc that irritates a spinal nerve may cause neck, back, or leg pain. The team of experts at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas in Rockwall, Wylie, Forney, and Terrell, Texas, provides comprehensive care for a herniated disc, working with you to create a plan that alleviates your pain. Call the office closest to you today or book an appointment online to learn more about treatments for a herniated disc.

I have a slipped disc. Does that mean I have a herniated disc?

Slipped discs and bulging discs are other terms for a herniated disc, which means you have an injury to an intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs are round, pillow-like cushions that separate the vertebral bones in your spine. These discs help with movement and act as shock absorbers.

A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like interior of the intervertebral disc breaks through the tough exterior. The displaced fragment may irritate a spinal nerve or the spinal cord, causing pain.

Herniated discs can occur in any part of your spine but are more common in the lower back and neck. An acute injury may cause a herniated disc but they also occur because of degenerative changes to the discs as you age, making them more susceptible to tearing.

What symptoms can I expect with a herniated disc?

You can have a herniated disc and not have any symptoms, or you may only experience a dull aching sensation in the neck or back. 

If the disc is irritating a nerve, you may have pain or numbness in the part of the body where the nerve goes, such as the arm or leg. In severe cases, a herniated disc may affect balance when walking or bladder or bowel control.

Herniated discs are common causes of sciatica, a nerve pain condition that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve into the back of the leg.

When should I see an orthopaedic surgeon for a herniated disc?

Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas provides comprehensive care for all types of orthopaedic needs, including a herniated disc. You should schedule a consultation if you have ongoing neck or back pain from a herniated disc.

The team reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. They also run imaging tests to determine the location and severity of your herniated disc. 

What treatments do I need for a herniated disc?

Treatment for a herniated disc depends on the severity of symptoms. The team at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas takes a conservative approach to start, recommending:

• Activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Epidural steroid injections

If your symptoms continue or cause severe pain and disability, the team at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas may discuss surgical interventions.

For help healing your herniated disc, call Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today or book an appointment online.