Herniated Disc

LA Pain Doctor

Pain Management Specialists located in Metairie, Laplace, Harvey, New Orleans, and Luling, LA

A herniated disc can quickly disrupt your normal daily routines, and can lead to pain that simply cannot be ignored. For men and women living in the communities of Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, and New Orleans, Louisiana, the care of Firas Hijazi, MD, and Satvik Munshi, MD, and the team at LA Pain Doctor can make a world of difference. Schedule a diagnostic exam to find answers and explore solutions. Booking takes just moments online or over the phone, so don’t delay.

Herniated Disc Q & A

What is a herniated disc?

Your spinal discs are rubbery rings with a soft center. They sit between each vertebral joint and help to absorb shock and cushion these small joints. When the soft inner tissues of a spinal disc begin to push beyond the rubbery exterior, the condition is known as a herniated disc.

This condition is also sometimes referred to as a ruptured disc or a slipped disc.

Depending on where the disc is located and the degree of damage, a herniated disc can cause symptoms that range in severity. Some men and women have no symptoms at all, and are unaware they have a herniated disc.

How do I know if I have a herniated disc?

The most common site for a herniated disc is in the joints that make up your lower spine. The condition can occur in your neck, or cervical spine, but this is far less common.

Some signs that could indicate a herniated disc include:

Pain in your lower back, buttocks, thighs, calves, and perhaps even feet
Pain in your neck, shoulder, and arm
Sensations of numbness and tingling
Sensation of weakness

Your pain could come and go, or you might find it worsens with certain activities or movements and improves with other actions or positions.

Am I at risk for a herniated disc?

Anyone can develop a herniated disc. Your risk level rises as you age, and traumatic injury or overuse stress can also cause a herniated disc.

Some additional factors that raise your risk level include:

Excess body weight
Working in a physically demanding occupation
Genetic predisposition
Smoking

Don’t live with ongoing back pain when there are safe and effective treatments that can help.

What treatments can help a herniated disc?

If your symptoms are new, you might be advised to rest and avoid placing any undue strain on your back to see if your condition improves. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms for some time, a course of physical therapy might help strengthen your back and relieve pain.

Physical therapy is customized to suit your specific needs. It might include targeted stretching, massage, ice and heat therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, or even pelvic traction. In some cases, surgery is the only way to repair damaged joints and relieve pain.

If you have questions or concerns about how to treat a herniated disc, schedule a personalized visit at LA Pain Doctor today. Online booking is available, or you are always welcome to call the office to speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff.