Herniated Disc Treatment in Louisiana
Between the vertebrae of your spine are soft discs that let your spine twist and bend while absorbing shock. When a disc is damaged, its soft center can push through the disc wall and press against nearby nerves. That’s a herniated disc. LA Pain Doctor treats herniated discs in the lower back and neck for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes a Herniated Disc?
Discs naturally lose water and flexibility with age, making them more likely to tear. A herniation can happen gradually from wear and tear or suddenly from lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, or an injury such as a fall or car accident. Being overweight, smoking, and jobs that involve repetitive lifting or long periods of sitting can also increase your risk. Many herniated discs develop from existing Degenerative Disc Disease.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
- Lower back pain or neck pain
- Sharp or burning pain radiating down the leg, known as sciatica
- Pain radiating into the shoulder and arm from a neck herniation, called Cervical Radiculopathy
- Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Muscle weakness that affects lifting, gripping, or walking
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Seek immediate care if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness in the groin area, as these can be signs of a serious nerve problem.
How We Diagnose a Herniated Disc
Your provider will discuss your symptoms, perform a physical and neurological exam, and review imaging such as an MRI, which shows the disc and any pressure on surrounding nerves.
Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment
Most herniated discs improve without surgery. The goal is to calm inflamed nerves and give the disc time to heal. Epidural steroid injections are among the most effective options. Depending on the location of your herniation, your provider may recommend a lumbar epidural steroid injections, a targeted lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections, a caudal epidural steroid injections, or cervical epidural steroid injections for neck herniations.
Physical therapy, core strengthening, and activity modification help prevent future flare-ups. Patients with chronic nerve pain after disc herniation or surgery may benefit from a spinal cord stimulator trial. Learn about Spinal Stenosis and explore our lower back pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Disc Treatment
What does a herniated disc feel like?
It may cause back or neck pain along with sharp, burning pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates into the arms or legs.
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
Many herniated discs improve over weeks to months with conservative care. Injections can relieve pain while the disc heals.
Do epidural injections help herniated discs?
Yes. Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation around compressed nerves and are a highly effective non-surgical treatment.
Is a bulging disc the same as a herniated disc?
Not exactly. A bulging disc pushes outward evenly, while a herniated disc has a tear that allows the inner material to leak out. Both can press on nerves.
When is surgery needed for a herniated disc?
Surgery may be considered if pain does not improve with treatment or if you develop significant weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Can I exercise with a herniated disc?
Gentle, guided exercise can help. Your provider can recommend safe activities based on your condition.
Where can I get herniated disc treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats herniated discs at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Get Relief From Disc Pain Without Surgery
Find out how we can help your herniated disc. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.