Spine, Neck & Back Disc Herniation Treatment

Disc Herniation Diagnosis & Treatment In Wayne, New Jersey

Disc herniation is a common condition that occurs when the cushions between vertebrae burst. While often painful, a herniated disc can often be treated with pain-reducing medications and physical therapy. High Mountain Orthopedics is a top orthopedic care provider with location in Wayne, New Jersey. Work with us to relieve your pain and regain your quality of life.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A spinal column is comprised of a stack of vertebral bones, all separated by rubbery cushions called discs. Each disc has a soft, jelly-like nucleus surrounded by a tough outer wall, or annulus. When the annulus tears or ruptures, the nucleus may leak out. This is the condition known as a herniated disc. Depending on where this occurs, it can irritate nearby nerves and cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Sharp, shooting pain in the arm or leg
• Intense pain in the buttocks, thighs, or calves
• Numbness or tingling around the affected area
• Shoulder or arm pain that intensifies when coughing
• Weakness and reduced ability to lift or hold items

Herniated discs are most common in the lower (lumbar) region of the back, though they may also occur in the neck (cervical) area. Specific symptoms will depend on where the herniated disc is located. Meanwhile, some herniated discs do not cause symptoms at all.

Causes and Risk Factors

Most cases of herniated discs can’t be pinned to a specific cause. While the condition may appear suddenly after an excessive strain or injury, it may be amplified by or the result of ordinary wear and tear. Doctors have identified several common risk factors, however, such as:

• Age: Disc material degenerates naturally with age, increasing the chance of a rupture.
• Weight: Excess body weight can put stress on the discs in your lower back.
• Occupation: A physically demanding job that requires repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, or bending will increase your risk of herniated discs and other spinal injuries.
• Smoking: A habit of smoking can cause discs to break down more quickly due to a lack of oxygen.

Though these risk factors are not direct causes, reducing their impact can decrease a patient’s risk of disc herniation.

Our Treatments for Disc Herniations

In most cases, conservative treatment is enough to improve a patient’s condition. We will prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers, or occasionally opioids to relieve your pain. Meanwhile, physical therapy can retrain you to move in ways that avoid pain and prevent the condition from progressing. Physical therapy is a very effective approach that often avoids the need for surgery and can help you lead a pain-free life.

Occasionally, however, a herniated disc does require more aggressive treatment. This is only recommended when less invasive treatments have not been successful. If we believe surgery may be helpful, we will consider your age, health, and other issues. We’ll also discuss all the details with you, making you a central part of the decision-making process.

Treating Your Herniated Disc in Northern NJ

Disc herniation may be uncomfortable, but High Mountain Orthopedics can relieve your pain with treatment, physical therapy, surgery, and more. We serve patients throughout the regions surrounding our office in Wayne, NJ. To find out more, contact us today to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment to discuss your condition.