Herniated Disc Treatment
Spinal discs are rubbery cushions that protect the vertebrae and spinal cord in the spinal column. The spinal discs have a tough outer shell and a softer, jelly-like interior. If the outer shell tears, the inner portion of the disc can protrude, or herniate, pressing on nerves or the spinal cord. Herniated discs can cause chronic pain, weakness and other symptoms. At DOCS Health, we offer herniated disc treatment at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Cervical Herniated Disc
A herniated disc in the cervical spine can press on the nerves that affect the neck, shoulder, arms, hands and fingers. Herniated discs can occur due to injury to the neck or from degenerative disease than weakens the outer shell. Symptoms of a cervical herniated disc can include localized neck pain, as well as radiating pain, weakness, numbness or shocking sensations into the arms or hands.
Thoracic Herniated Disc
The thoracic region of the spine is less susceptible to damaged or herniated spinal discs, but it can occur from injury or degenerative disc diseases. The herniated disc may irritate nerve roots, resulting in localized pain in the mid to upper back. Radiating pain and numbness may occur around the ribcage and torso due to the irritation of the nerve roots in the thoracic spine.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
The lumbar or lower back region is a common area for herniated discs from injury, wear/tear or disease. The leaking disc can cause nerve pain in the low back, buttocks, legs and feet. Some patients may experience weakness or numbness in their legs or feet, or muscle spasms in their low back area.
Herniated disc treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. At DOCS Health, we recommend conservative treatments to manage pain and symptoms, which can be very effective. Physical therapy, injection therapy and other minimally invasive treatments are used before considering surgery for treatment.
Many people have herniated discs in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine without any pain or symptoms. It is also possible that a herniated disc is not the cause of pain, even though they are both occurring in the same region. It is important to have an experienced spine specialist offer an accurate diagnosis to determine the best treatment. Contact our spine specialists at DOCS Health in Beverly Hills to schedule an exam and back/neck pain evaluation.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.