A disc herniation happens when a disc is worn out and some material bulges or leaves the disc.
**Please note, if you have a disc herniation and have a loss of bowel/bladder function or saddle anesthesia, please go to your local emergency room as this is an emergency (Cauda Equina Syndrome).
If the herniation is pressing on a nerve or spinal cord, it can cause dysfunction, pain, and weakness. Think of it as a boxer’s punch to the face.
Typically this happens to a disc that’s degenerating, but a sudden insult causes it to “herniate.”
Herniations can happen in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Depending on location, this can cause back pain, nerve irritation, bowel/bladder issues, balance problems, or spinal cord problems.
Diagnosis
The success of treatment options depend on an accurate diagnosis, using a combination of but not limited to: physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, MRI, diagnostic injections, and EMG investigation.
Treatment
Treatment options include steroids, therapy, anti-inflammatories, core strengthening, weight loss, injections, surgically removing that disc, surgical decompression, surgical fusion, or surgical disc replacement. All treatment options depend on the location/type of disc herniation and a custom treatment plan is recommended for each and every patient.
