Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can cause pain and discomfort throughout your body. If you’re looking for a top-rated herniated disc surgeon, and you suffer from symptoms like radiating pain, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs, book an appointment at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio.

Led by board-certified neurosurgeon Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, the practice offers several safe and effective treatments for herniated discs.

Learn more about your options by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kamal Woods today!

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like interior of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) leaks out through a crack in the tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and allowing for flexibility. When a disc herniates, the leaked material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in various parts of the body, depending on the location of the herniation.

What causes a herniated disc?

Several factors can contribute to the development of a herniated disc:

Age-related wear and tear: As you age, discs lose water content and become less flexible, making them more susceptible to injury.
Injury: Sudden trauma, such as a fall or car accident, can cause a disc to herniate.
Repetitive movements: Repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting motions—especially if done improperly—can put excessive stress on the discs, leading to herniation.
Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing herniated discs at a younger age.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the herniation and the degree of nerve compression:

Back or neck pain: Pain may be localized to the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine), depending on where the herniated disc is located.
Radiating pain: Pain may radiate from the back or neck into the arms or legs, often described as sharp, shooting, or burning pain. This is known as sciatica when the leg is affected.
Numbness or tingling: You may feel numbness or tingling in the areas served by the affected nerves, such as the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
Muscle weakness: Compressed nerves can cause weakness in muscles served by those nerves, potentially making it difficult to lift or hold objects, or affecting your walking ability.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

The diagnostic process for a herniated disc usually involves the following steps:

Medical History & Physical Exam: Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, followed by a physical exam to check for signs of nerve compression, such as muscle weakness, numbness, or abnormal reflexes.
Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: While X-rays cannot detect herniated discs, they help rule out other causes of pain, such as fractures or spinal alignment issues.
- MRI: An MRI is the most effective imaging tool to visualize the soft tissues of the spine, including discs and nerves, and can confirm the presence and severity of the herniation.
- CT Scan: A CT scan may be used for further detail in complex cases or if MRI is not available.

What treatments are available for a herniated disc?

Treatment for a herniated disc depends on the severity of the symptoms and how much the disc is pressing on nearby nerves. Many patients come to us seeking pain relief for a herniated disc, including those with L5 disc bulges, as this lower lumbar level is often affected.

Non-surgical options are typically the first line of treatment, but surgical options may be considered if conservative methods fail to provide relief.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or prescription medications may help manage symptoms.
Physical therapy: Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine can help relieve pain and prevent further injury.
Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation around the herniated disc and provide temporary relief.
Rest and activity modification: Resting the affected area and avoiding activities that trigger pain can help reduce symptoms.

Surgical Treatment Options

If non-surgical treatments do not relieve pain or if the herniated disc is causing significant nerve compression, surgery may be required. At Vertrae®, we offer minimally invasive surgical options for herniated discs, ensuring quicker recovery and less pain post-surgery.

Microdiscectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves removing the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve. It’s highly effective for relieving nerve pain, especially for cases of sciatica.
Laminectomy: If a portion of the bone or ligament is compressing the nerves, a laminectomy may be performed to remove that part and relieve pressure.
Barricaid® – Annular Closure Device: In cases where a large tear is found in the outer wall of the disc during a discectomy, we offer Barricaid®—a small implant designed to close the defect and reduce the risk of disc reherniation. This advanced annular closure device helps prevent the recurrence of symptoms and reduces the likelihood of requiring a second surgery, while preserving the disc’s natural motion.
Artificial disc replacement: In some cases, the damaged disc may be removed and replaced with an artificial disc to restore normal movement and relieve pain.