Herniated Disc Treatments

Herniated discs can result from severe trauma or develop when age-related deterioration weakens your spine. If you develop herniated disc symptoms, visit the Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center team in Las Vegas, Nevada. The practice’s pain management specialists provide conservative care and advanced treatments to relieve herniated disc symptoms such as neck and back pain. For expert assessment and care of your herniated disc, call Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center or complete the online booking form today.

What is a herniated disc?

The discs between your vertebrae (the bones that form your spinal column) have a tough outer shell with a jelly-like interior. When a disc herniates, the material inside leaks into your spinal canal through a tear in the outer shell.

Herniated discs can occur in any part of your spine but are most likely to affect the lower (lumbar) area or the neck (cervical spine). They’re a common cause of lower back and neck pain.  

Discs can herniate for two reasons. Trauma from a severe sports injury, fall, or auto accident could tear the outer part of the disc. Or, more commonly, the outer shell deteriorates over time (degenerative disc disease), and the inner material pushes through a weak spot.

What problems do herniated discs cause?

Herniated discs commonly cause narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) that leads to radiculopathy.

Radiculopathy involves nerve compression or damage to your spine. Cervical radiculopathy affects the neck and arms; lumbar radiculopathy affects the lower back and legs. Causes include spinal problems such as arthritis as well as herniated discs.

Sciatica is the most common form of lumbar radiculopathy. It affects the sciatic nerve in your lower back and leg. Nerve pinching usually occurs at the bottom of your spine or pelvis. Sciatic nerve pain is often worst in the hip, buttock, and leg on one side.

In addition to pain, a herniated disc can cause problems like tingling, prickling, and burning sensations, alongside weakness, numbness, and loss of function.

What treatments are available for herniated discs?

The Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center team finds most patients recover well from a herniated disc with conservative treatments. These might include physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

It’s rarely wise to immobilize yourself when you have a herniated disc. Staying in bed tends to make the problem worse, but on the other hand, you shouldn’t be doing any activities that could aggravate the herniation. Your physical therapist can advise you on how to modify your activities and encourage healing.

Some patients require further interventions, especially if they have severe symptoms. Epidural steroid injections often reduce back and neck pain caused by herniated discs. Another option is radiofrequency ablation to deactivate the pain nerves near your herniated disc.

To find an effective treatment for your herniated disc symptoms, call Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center today or book an appointment online.