Herniated Disc
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Atlas Spine
Orin Atlas, MD, FAAOS
Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Specialist located in Hainesport, NJ
Neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, and shooting pain into your arms or legs can be signs of a disc herniation. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, see Orin Atlas, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Hainesport, New Jersey. At Atlas Spine, Dr. Atlas provides one-on-one care for you, whether it’s your first consultation or a follow-up visit after surgery, so you get the dedicated attention you need to recover. To schedule your visit, call or use the online booking tool today.
Herniated Disc
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc or bulging disc, is an intervertebral disc in your spine that has broken down and allowed a portion of the gelatinous inner materials of the disc to bulge outward. When a disc is herniated, the tough, fibrous outer layer of the disc cracks or splits and allows the softer inner material to leak out. This inner material can press on surrounding nerves, leading to a pinched nerve and nerve pain.
About half of all herniated discs heal within a month and the majority of disc herniations heal within six months. For those that don’t heal, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms and see Dr. Atlas if your pain becomes worse or you begin having symptoms of nerve pain.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
It’s possible to experience pain in the center or just off-center of your spine when you have a herniated disc, though not everyone has back pain. More common symptoms of disc herniations include:
- Pain, numbness, or tingling into your arms or legs
- Sharp, shooting sensations in your back, arms, or legs
- Pain that’s worse with coughing, sneezing, or having a bowel movement
- Weakness in the muscles of your arms or legs
Symptoms of a herniated disc are typically isolated to one side of your body, though it’s possible to have symptoms on both sides.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
In order to diagnose a disc herniation, Dr. Atlas begins with a consultation and medical history to understand your symptoms, any possible causes of your injury, and activities you do regularly that could aggravate your symptoms. He then examines your back for signs of disc herniation.
Dr. Atlas may refer you for X-rays or an MRI to rule out other conditions or determine the severity of a disc herniation. Based on his findings, he explains your diagnosis and treatment options.
How is a herniated disc treated?
Since most disc herniations heal on their own, Dr. Atlas focuses on conservative measures to support the healing process whenever possible. Your treatment plan can include anti-inflammatory medications, rest, heat, or physical therapy. If conservative measures aren’t enough or your symptoms are getting worse, Dr. Atlas offers surgical solutions to relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce your pain.
Get relief from your disc herniation symptoms by visiting Atlas Spine — just call or click to book now.
