Herniated Discs
Herniated Disc Overview
Discs are shock absorbers that lie between adjacent vertebrae. A herniated disc is a disc that protrudes into the spinal canal and pinches a spinal nerve root. A herniated disc and accompanying symptoms do not improve on their own. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) should be made as soon as symptoms present.
Symptoms & Causes
Herniated disc symptoms include:
- Burning pain
- Extremity numbness, tingling or weakness
- Neck or back pain
- Neck or back weakness
Common herniated disc causes include:
- Age-related disc degeneration
- Osteoarthritis
Herniated disc risk factors include:
- Excess body weight
- Sports, activities
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options may relieve herniated disc symptoms. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA shoulder specialist may recommend:
- Activity modification (slowing down or stopping activities and movements that cause pain)
- A back brace
- A soft collar neck brace
- Corticosteroid injections
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Rest and ice
Minimally invasive surgery may be recommended to treat a severely herniated disc. A CONA specialist (1) removes pieces of the herniated disc that pinch the nerve root or (2) removes the herniated disc and fuses adjacent spinal vertebrae.
Diagnosis:
A CONA specialist:
- Asks important questions about the patient’s condition and symptoms
- Obtains a complete medical history
- Performs thorough neurosurgical and physical examinations
- Orders and analyzes x-rays and an MRI
- Makes an accurate diagnosis