What is a herniated disc?
Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae that are separated by an intervertebral disc, which assists with spine movement and acts as shock absorbers. Your intervertebral discs contain a gel-like interior surrounded by a tough exterior.
A herniated disc, also called ruptured or slipped disc, occurs when the gel-like interior of your disc pushes through the exterior. You may develop a herniated disc after a fall or lifting something too heavy.
However, you’re more likely to develop a herniated disc as you get older due to the degenerative changes that occur to the discs as you age, making them more vulnerable to damage.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Your herniated disc symptoms may vary depending on the location and degree of your herniation, and you may not experience any symptoms at all.
However, if your herniated disc is pressing on a nerve, you may experience a range of symptoms, such as:
- Radiating pain
- Burning or tingling sensation
- Numbness
- Electric shock-like sensations
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking, sitting, or standing
In severe cases, your herniated disc may result in loss of bowel or bladder control.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms and searching for relief, contact Integrated Spine And Pain Care today.
What can I expect during a herniated disc evaluation?
You can expect a comprehensive evaluation when you come in to see Dr. Sarij at Integrated Spine And Pain Care for your herniated disc. During your exam, he reviews your symptoms, medical history, medication use, and usual activities.
He then does a physical exam and may request diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, to better understand the degree of your disc herniation.
How are herniated discs treated?
Dr. Sarij develops individualized treatment plans for your herniated disc based on the location and severity of symptoms. He offers many innovative, state-of-the-art treatments, minimally invasive therapies to help you get relief and get your life back, and possibly prevent your need for surgical intervention.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Exercise program
- Cervical, thoracic, or lumbar epidural steroid injection
- Cervical or thoracic facet radiofrequency neurotomy
- Cervical selective nerve root block
- Lumbar sympathetic block
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Trigger point injections
- Facet joint injections
- Medial branch block
- Sacroiliac joint steroid injection
- Vertebroplasty
Dr. Sarij works closely with you and adjusts your plan as needed to maximize relief and improve your quality of life.
You don’t have to suffer from the pain caused by your herniated disc. Contact Integrated Spine And Pain Care by phone or book an appointment online today to get the long-term relief you need.
