/ Herniated Disc

Herniated Disc

You’re not alone in the pain or numbing sensation your herniated disc is causing. Our care team of spine experts have devoted their careers to the causes of, and cures for, painful conditions just like yours. As we plan your treatment, we collaborate with rehab specialists to alleviate your pain and improve daily function.

A herniated disc is when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes outward through the tough exterior. It presses on nerve endings causing pain and even weakness of arms and legs. Those ages 35 to 45 are more likely to experience a herniated disc. Most won't need surgery. Recovery and treatment are based on the location and severity of your herniated disc.

Treatments for Herniated Disc

We want to ease your discomfort as soon as possible. Often your care team starts with a combined treatment plan of heat or ice, medicine and physical therapy. Our goal is to improve your function and mobility so you can stay active to avoid stiffness in the muscles surrounding your back pain. If pain persists for four to six weeks, your doctor may suggest surgery.

Spectrum Health orthopedic specialists are among the best. We offer the most advanced treatment options available. We treat lumbar and cervical herniated disc injuries every day. Together, we'll develop the right treatment plan for you. Learn how we'll improve your comfort with the treatments below.

Treatments We Provide

Back Cervical Laminectomy

In this procedure, your doctor removes the disc from the back of the neck. The advantage to the back approach, compared to the front, is that the discs don't need to be fused.

Epidural Steroid Injection

An epidural steroid injection is a powerful combination of steroid and anti-inflammatory medicine injected directly in the spine. The full effect of pain relief can take up to two weeks to feel.

Front Cervical Decompression (Discectomy) Surgery

This procedure removes the disc from the front of the neck. The area is usually fused to keep the remaining area open.

Lower Back Laminectomy

Also known as decompression surgery, your surgeon removes the back part of your vertebra. This relieves pressure in the nerves and spinal cord within the lower back.

Lumbar Microdecompression Surgery

This is a second form of lumbar decompression surgery. It removes the herniated portion of the lower back disc. Commonly, this surgery is performed to treat pain from sciatica, which is leg pain caused by a herniated disc.

MRI Diagnostics

By taking a series of images using magnetic resonance imaging (or a simple X-ray in some cases), your orthopedic doctor can see the exact location and the extent of any damage.

Visit MRI

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can teach you special exercises that strengthen nearby muscles and ease stress on connecting tendons and ligaments.

Visit Rehab with Physical Therapy

Spine Care Rehabilitation

When dealing with back and neck pain, it’s important to start with conservative care, such as physical therapy. Spectrum Health has a Spine and Pain Management Center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of back pain.

Visit Rehab for Spine Care

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