Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped, prolapsed, or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear or weakened area in its outer layer. This can place pressure on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, arms, back, or legs, depending on the location of the herniated disc.
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. They may develop gradually due to age-related disc degeneration or suddenly as a result of injury or heavy lifting. As spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility over time, they become more susceptible to tearing, inflammation, and nerve compression.
Symptoms
Lumbar Herniated Disc:
Symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression. Common symptoms include:
Lower back pain
Pain that radiates through the buttock and down the leg (sciatica)
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that follows the path of the affected nerve
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending forward, coughing, or sneezing
Difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods in more severe cases
Cervical Herniated Disc:
Symptoms of a cervical herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression. Common symptoms include:
Neck pain
Pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that follows the affected nerve
Numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers
Muscle weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Reduced neck mobility or stiffness
Thoracic Herniated Disc:
Symptoms of a thoracic herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression. Common symptoms include:
Localized pain in the mid-back
Pain that wraps around the chest or ribs in a band-like pattern
Non-Surgical Management
Treatment options may include:
Physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength, and spinal stability
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications to help manage symptoms
Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve and provide temporary pain relief
Surgical Management
Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide lasting relief or when neurological symptoms continue to worsen. Depending on the location and severity of the herniated disc, surgical treatment may include:
Microdiscectomy (discectomy) to remove the portion of the herniated disc pressing on the spinal nerve
Endoscopic lumbar discectomy, when appropriate, using an ultra minimally invasive approach through a very small incision
What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves. By delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, these injections can help relieve pain, numbness, and tingling caused by conditions such as radiculopathy, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
For many patients, epidural steroid injections provide enough relief to improve daily function, participate more comfortably in physical therapy, or delay or avoid surgery.
✓ Outpatient procedure
✓ Image-guided for precision
✓ Minimally invasive
✓ No general anesthesia required
✓ Typically completed in less than 30 minutes
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're seeking a second opinion or exploring treatment options, our fellowship-trained spine specialists are here to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and learn about the treatment options that are right for you.