A herniated disc is a painful and debilitating condition that can worsen if left untreated. When the jelly-like material in the center of a spinal disc begins to bulge out through a crack in the outer layer, this is referred to as a herniated disc. This can happen due to various factors, such as age, traumatic injuries, or repetitive motion.
Spinal conditions, if left untreated, can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and disability. A herniated disc can even cause numbness or weakness, limiting mobility in some cases. However, with proper spinal care, the symptoms of a herniated disc can be managed, and the condition can be improved. Nonetheless, understanding the risks of ignoring a herniated disc is critical for achieving the best possible outcome.
Chronic Pain
If a herniated disc is not treated, it can lead to serious complications. The most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain that doesn’t go away. This pain is described as a dull ache in the neck or lumbar spine, or it may feel as if something is stuck between the vertebrae (which is actually the case).
Inflammation of the surrounding tissues and muscles is usually the cause of persistent pain. Because the nerves in your back and neck are extremely sensitive to pressure, they react negatively whenever you move in a certain way. Although there are many cases where this type of pain resolves without the need for patient care, such as orthopedic surgery, there are also cases where patients do not receive pain relief for months or even years after suffering from a herniated disc.
If untreated for an extended period of time, the pressure caused by inflammation can cause permanent damage to the surrounding tissues and nerves, leading to more severe forms of chronic pain such as neuropathy or radiculopathy. If not treated promptly, this damage can result in permanent disability in some cases.
Pain That Radiates to Other Areas of the Body
If you have a small herniation near a nerve root, you may have leg or arm pain that originates in your cervical spine. Herniated discs near the center of your spine can also cause back and neck pain when you turn your head.
Sciatica is pain that radiates down the back of one leg and into the foot and is caused by a herniated disc. Sciatica can be caused by various factors, but it is most commonly caused by a herniated disc.
A herniated disc can cause numbness or weakness in an arm or leg in some cases. People who have had multiple episodes of sciatica may suffer from permanent nerve damage as well as chronic pain that lasts for years after treatment.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can occur if you do not see an orthopedic surgeon for your back injury. This can cause numbness, sensory loss, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can also cause paralysis or loss of bowel and bladder control.
Damage to the sacral nerve roots, which carry signals to the genitalia, can also impair sexual function. If you experience sexual dysfunction as a result of a herniated disc or other spine conditions that cause compression on one or more vertebrae, please get in touch with New York Spine Specialist for medical assistance and treatment options.
Soft Tissue Damage
The disc comprises a gel center (the nucleus pulposus) and a tough cartilage ring on the outside (the annulus fibrosus). When a disc ruptures, the gel inside leaks through the rigid outer ring, causing the disc to bulge outward into the spinal canal. If this occurs near a nerve root, it can press on the nerve root, causing severe pain.
This pressure can also compress other structures in your spine, such as the spinal cord or the spinal nerves that run through your spine. Numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs or arms are also possible side effects.
How a Spine Specialist Can Help
Seeking medical attention if you suspect you have a herniated disc is critical. Because many people with the condition have no symptoms, an MRI or CT scan is frequently the only way for a doctor to diagnose the problem correctly.
To manage the initial symptoms of a herniated disc, a doctor may recommend physical therapy and pain medication. However, back surgery may be required if the problem persists or worsens. The most common treatment for herniated discs is spinal fusion, though minimally invasive spine surgery techniques may be used in select patients.
If you’re considering having surgery for a herniated disc, make sure you choose a board-certified spine surgeon who can explain your options and what will happen during your procedure. A great doctor has access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies, has competent support staff, and will provide personalized care, resulting in better outcomes.
A spine specialist can help with a variety of conditions, including:
Pain Management
If you have chronic pain, it may be worthwhile to consult a spine specialist. A spine specialist can identify and treat the sources of your pain, whether caused by an injury or a condition such as degenerative disc disease.
Spinal Surgery
A spinal surgeon is qualified to operate on the bones and muscles of the neck, back, and pelvis, as well as the nerves that run through those areas (like sciatica). If you require surgery for one of these issues, request an evaluation by a qualified spine surgeon from your primary care physician before pursuing any treatment options on your own.
Contact New York Spine Specialist for Herniated Disc Treatments
There are numerous treatment options available for a herniated disc in the spine. A chiropractor may be able to assist you with pain management and physical therapy, but if your symptoms do not improve after a few months, you may require spine surgery. You can discuss various surgical procedures with our spine specialists, depending on the type of surgery needed for your specific condition. Our doctors accept workers’ compensation, no-fault, PIP (personal injury protraction), and other health insurance plans.
Our medical team is well-equipped to handle complex spine conditions such as a herniated disc and spinal stenosis. Call us at (516) 355-0111 to speak with one of our specialists today.
