Herniated Disc

Herniated discs are a common back and neck problem that can cause severe pain and disability. Visit fellowship-trained neurosurgeon Praveen Reddy, MD, M.Ch, and the team at the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, PLLC, which has five prominent offices in Spring, Conroe, Kingwood, Willis, The Woodlands, Texas, if you have herniated disc symptoms. The team uses robotic-assisted technology and other sophisticated techniques to resolve severe and persistent disc problems. Call the nearest Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, PLLC, office, or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment today. 

What is a herniated disc?

The discs between your vertebrae have a tough outer shell and soft interior to absorb shock and stabilize your spine. Herniation occurs when the soft material escapes from a disc, protruding into your spinal canal and pressing on the nerves exiting your spinal cord.

The result is back pain and symptoms such as:

• Tingling

• Prickling

• Weakness

• Numbness

• Loss of function

These problems arise because of the nerve compression a herniated disc causes. Many people have  sciatica because a herniated disc presses on the large sciatic nerve, causing pain and other symptoms affecting one leg.

Why do I have a herniated disc?

The primary causes of herniated discs are acute injury and wear-and-tear.

Acute injuries

If you suffer a traumatic back injury during a fall or car accident, pressure on the disc could cause it to split.

Wear-and-tear

Discs start off plump and well-hydrated but deteriorate as you age (degenerative disc disease). They get thinner, flatter, drier, and harder, so they don’t provide as much shock absorption. The disc’s tough shell can weaken, too, allowing the soft center to squeeze out.

Your risk of a herniated disc is higher if you don’t exercise enough, smoke, or if others in your family have the same problem.

How are herniated discs treated?

Many patients find they recover well from a herniated disc with conservative care. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity modification are sometimes enough, but steroid injections might be necessary for some patients.

If conservative approaches are unsuccessful, the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, PLLC, team specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) to treat herniated discs. Your options include:

Discectomy

During a discectomy, your surgeon removes the entire herniated disc.

Microdiscectomy

During microdiscectomy, your surgeon removes only the damaged disc material.

Spinal fusion

Fusion involves implanting a bone graft in the space vacated by the herniated disc. Over time, the bone on either side fuses with the graft, creating a solid link. Fusion stabilizes your spine after a discectomy.

Artificial disc replacement

Artificial disc replacement is an excellent alternative to spinal fusion, provided you’re a good candidate. The procedure involves implanting a replacement disc into the space between your vertebrae after a discectomy. The artificial disc’s function is similar to a natural disc, so you have better freedom of movement.

If you suspect that you have a herniated disc, call the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, PLLC, or book an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment.