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A herniated disc is painful condition that occurs when a spinal disc becomes damaged and the soft inside layer breaks open, leaks into the outer layer of the disc and spinal canal and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
A herniated disc refers to a damaged spinal disc. Our spinal discs are made up of several layers: a hard outer layer called the fibrous ring and a soft, jelly-like core called the central pulp. When a disc becomes damaged, it can cause the soft inside layer to break open and start to bulge or leak out of the outer layer of the disc, irritating and causing pain to the surrounding nerves. This is referred to as a herniated disc, and can result in moderate to severe pain.
Although a herniated disc is often used interchangeably with conditions like slipped disc, a herniated disc is generally used to describe damaged discs anywhere along the spine. The pain from a herniated disc is typically concentrated in the neck or lower back or legs and can range for numbness and tingling to sharp, stabbing pain.
A herniated disc is often caused by damage or traumatic injury. Signs and symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition.
Disc herniation can occur in any part of your spine. Herniated discs can also contribute to other spine conditions, like sciatica, making an evaluation and diagnosis from Dr. Bruggeman’s necessary in order to fully understand the extent of your unique case and recommend the best course of treatment.
The pain from herniated discs can be treated with more conservative measures like physical therapy, medications, or injection therapy, but if there’s not significant pain relief from those treatments minimally invasive surgical methods, such as a discectomy, may be considered to provide long-lasting pain relief.
A full evaluation and diagnosis with Dr. Bruggeman of your condition, especially if there is more than one condition compounded with a herniated disc, is necessary to determine the right treatment for your case and medical history.
Take the first step toward a pain-free life. Use our online pain evaluation tool to determine what treatment may be right for you.
