A herniated disc is one of the most prevalent causes of back and neck pain, and if left untreated, it might lead to chronic issues that impair the function of your arms and legs. Interventional pain specialist, William Yancey, MD at Yancey Pain & Spine, takes a proven approach to diagnose and treat herniated discs. Dr. Yancey and his team modify conventional therapies to increase accuracy, safety, and effectiveness using new techniques and medications. Call or make an appointment online today for nonsurgical treatment of your herniated disc in Houston and the Woodlands, TX.
What is a herniated disc?
A spinal disc, which is mainly composed of a soft gel-like core surrounded by a hard shell, separates each vertebra in your spine. These discs enable spine mobility and serve as shock absorbers.
A herniated disc develops when the gel-like core of the disc pushes out from a damaged portion of the exterior due to excessive pressure from the vertebrae above and below it. Herniated discs may occur in any part of the spine, but they most commonly occur in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) areas.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Symptoms of a herniated disc range extensively depending on the site of the herniation and if a nerve is involved. You can only feel a dull ache or no pain at all if your herniated disc isn’t pinching or rubbing a nerve.
If the herniation presses on a nerve, you can feel discomfort, weakness, or numbness in the region of your body where the nerve runs.
Nonetheless, depending on where your herniation is, your symptoms can also differ.
- Cervical Spine
Cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, may result from a herniated disc in your cervical spine, causing symptoms to radiate to your arms, shoulders, and hands.
- Lumbar Spine
A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can irritate or pinch your sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a common pain disorder that causes radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in the lower extremities, typically only on one side of the body.
What are the treatment options for a herniated disc?
The aim of your herniated disc care plan at Yancey Pain & Spine is to alleviate your pain using non-surgical techniques. Dr. Yancey employs a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, adapting innovative approaches and drugs to increase your conventional therapy’s accuracy, protection, and effectiveness. Your care plan may include one or more of the following:
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Medications
Dr. Yancey can refer you to a surgeon if conservative measures fail to relieve your herniated disc symptoms.
That said, if left untreated, herniated discs can cause chronic symptoms, which might impair your quality of life. Dr. Yancey and his team help patients seek definitive solutions to their issues so that they can resume their work and daily life. New and returning patients are welcome. Contact Yancey Pain & Spine by phone or make an appointment online today for a multidisciplinary, non-surgical approach to treating your herniated disc.
