Herniated Disc Specialist

Advanced Spine and Pain Centers

Orthopedic Specialists & Pain Management Specialists located in Stafford, VA & Fairfax, VA

The pain of a herniated disc can be excruciating and can occur in different areas of your body at the same time. At Advanced Spine and Pain Center, with offices throughout Fairfax County, VA, Stafford, VA & the Greater Baltimore, MD Area, the doctors have extensive experience treating a variety of spinal conditions, including herniated discs. They offer a range of innovative, minimally invasive pain management treatments. Schedule your consultation online now to finally get relief from your chronic pain.

Herniated Disc Q&A

What is a herniated disc?

Between the vertebrae of your spine are spongy discs that cushion and support your bones. These discs also make it possible for your spine to stretch and bend. As you age, the discs become weakened, break down, and even rupture.

A herniated disc occurs when the center of the disc bulges, sometimes pushing against your nerves or spinal cord and causing intense pain.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

A herniated disc causes pain that ranges from mild to severe. Damaged discs in the upper spine may cause shooting pain down your arm or pain and numbness in your:

Neck
Shoulder blade
Fingers, forearm, or elbow

Damaged discs in the lower part of your spine may cause weakness, numbness, or pain in your:

Leg
Hip
Buttocks
Calf
Sole of your foot

Activity may aggravate your pain, and sudden motions like coughing or sneezing can cause jolting pain. Pain may ease when you rest or change positions and release pressure on the nerve.

What treatments are available for a herniated disc?

Your doctor performs a physical exam and may request imaging tests to make an accurate diagnosis. They may recommend physical therapy and medications as an initial treatment to relieve compression on the spinal nerve.

They may suggest an epidural that involves an injection of steroids and anesthetics into the targeted area to relieve pain for several months.

If these treatments aren’t helping, your doctor may suggest:

Microdiscectomy

During a microdiscectomy, your surgeon makes tiny incisions directly over the herniated disc. They remove the disc material using precision tools and a microscope. If they identify other disc concerns, your surgeon will also treat those areas before closing the incisions with sutures.

A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. You should experience significant pain relief and an increase in functionality soon after healing from the procedure.

Laser endoscopic discectomy

In a laser endoscopic discectomy, your surgeon makes a small incision near the damaged disc. They insert a tube containing a tiny camera into the spine region and use microsurgical equipment to eliminate disc material and remove pressure on your nerve.

Your doctor closes the incision with a bandage. You may feel immediate pain relief following the procedure. After a few hours of rest, you can go home to recover fully.

Schedule your consultation online now to learn more about the treatments for herniated discs.

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