The bones in your spine are cushioned by round, soft discs that help absorb shock. These discs have a jellylike interior and a tougher exterior. If some of the interior pushes out through a tear in the exterior due to an injury or another issue, the resulting condition is called a herniated disc.
And because there’s limited room in the spinal area, any tissue that pushes out through the exterior can put pressure on nerves in the area, which can result in pain and other symptoms.
Board-certified provider Daljit S. Buttar, MD, and our team at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, offer effective solutions for treating herniated discs and minimizing pain. To help you get prompt care if you suffer a herniated disc, we’ve put together this post to help you spot the warning signs.
The signs of a herniated disc are closely associated with the location of the herniation and the severity of the condition. In some cases, people don’t experience any noticeable symptoms of disc herniation.
More commonly, however, a herniated disc causes some or all of the following symptoms:
Be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Buttar if you notice any of the warning signs of a herniated disc, especially if they’re severe or ongoing.
Since you can experience disc herniation anywhere along the spinal column, which can trigger nerve impingement that affects other areas of the body, some signs of a herniated disc can be less obvious.
In fact, because of the way sensations travel on nerve pathways, you can experience pain or other symptoms from disc herniation almost anywhere in your body. Here are some less obvious signs to look for:
Some people also experience pain when they cough or laugh. This could be a sign of a herniated disc as well.
Effective treatment for disc herniation begins with an accurate diagnosis. If you notice any of the above signs, don’t wait to schedule an evaluation. The earlier you get diagnosed, the more effective your outcome might be.
First, Dr. Buttar talks with you about your current and past symptoms, reviews your medical history, and completes a comprehensive physical exam, which could include any of the following:
He may also recommend additional testing, such as CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, or nerve tests.
With a diagnosis in hand, Dr. Buttar creates a personalized herniated disc treatment plan that meets your unique needs. This may include conservative or surgical options, such as the following:
Some patients may also benefit from epidural or corticosteroid injections, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
While nonsurgical treatments work for most patients, some people with a herniated disc need surgical intervention to eliminate their pain. Dr. Buttar offers different surgeries based on the unique needs, health, lifestyle, preferences, and goals of the patient. Surgical options could include any of the following:
If you’re experiencing the warning signs of a herniated disc, don’t wait to seek expert treatment. To get the help you need, call 919-867-3176 or book an appointment online with Raleigh Spine and Pain Center today.
