Herniated Disk Specialist

What is a herniated disk?

A herniated disk is a common spine injury and one of the leading causes of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. Intervertebral disks are cushion-like pillows that separate each of the vertebral bones in your spine. 

These disks have a tough exterior (annulus) and a gel-like center (nucleus). You develop a herniated disk when the gel-like center pushes through a crack in the tough exterior. This herniation may irritate, compress, or pinch your spinal cord or spinal nerve causing pain.

You can develop a herniated disk in any part of your spine, but they most commonly occur in the lumbar spine (lower back), and sometimes the cervical spine (neck).

What are the symptoms of a herniated disk?

Symptoms of a herniated disk vary and may depend on the size and location of the herniation, and whether the herniation affects the spinal cord or nerves. If you have a herniated disk that doesn’t irritate a nerve, you may only have dull neck or back pain. 

However, when there’s nerve involvement, your symptoms may include:

• Pain that radiates into your head, arms, buttocks, or legs
• Numbing, tingling, or burning sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking

You may notice your herniated disk pain worsens with certain body movements or positions. 

How is a herniated disk treated?

Treatment for a herniated disk depends on the location and severity of your symptoms. However, medical interventions are the first line of treatment and may include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and epidural injections. 

When do I need surgery for a herniated disk?

Dr. Ladha conducts a comprehensive exam when you come in for a neurosurgery consultation about your herniated disk. He may recommend surgery if conservative treatments fail to ease your symptoms and your pain affects your quality of life.

When performing spine surgery for a herniated disk, Dr. Ladha uses advanced minimally invasive techniques. Surgery for your herniated disk may include a diskectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion. 

Depending on the location of your herniated disk, Dr. Ladha may perform artificial disk replacement to restore spine structure and function.

When a herniated disk continues to cause pain and discomfort, schedule a consultation at Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates by calling the office or booking online today.