Herniated Discs

Understanding Herniated Discs And The Treatments Available To You

Diagnosis and Treatments for Herniated Discs in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

The spine is constructed of a series of bones (vertebrae), stretching from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Between the vertebrae are round cushions called discs. These discs act as buffers between the bones, allowing for movement in all directions with ease. When one of these discs tears or leaks, it is known as a herniated disc, and it can result in several symptoms. To correct this injury, herniated disc treatment is necessary.

At Southlake Orthopaedics, the team of board-certified physicians specializes in offering personalized and compassionate care to patients throughout central Alabama experiencing debilitating injuries, including herniated discs. They pride themselves on providing complete orthopedic care from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation. Discover the treatment options patients with herniated discs can find at Southlake Orthopaedics.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary and are often dependent on where the problem is in the spine. Symptoms tend to worsen with continued movement.

Herniated Disc in the Back

Patients with herniated discs in their backs will commonly experience sciatic nerve pain. This sharp pain can shoot down one side of a patient’s buttocks, into their leg, and sometimes the foot. Other common symptoms of a herniated disc in the back include:

Back pain
Tingling sensation in the legs and/or feet
Numbness
Muscle weakness

Herniated Disc in the Neck

Patients who have herniated discs in their necks experience a distinct set of symptoms, such as:

Pain located near or between the shoulder blades
Pain in the neck, especially in the back and/or sides
Pain that may intensify when bending or turning the neck
Numbness or tingling in the arms
Pain that travels to the shoulder, arm, and sometimes the hand and fingers

Herniated Disc Causes

Discs in the spine are made up of a ring of fibrous tissue surrounding a nucleus. This tissue has a consistency similar to that of jelly. The primary job of the nucleus is to absorb the shock of activity, cushioning the bony vertebrae as they are stacked on top of each other.

Over time, the outer layer of the disc begins to weaken and can crack. A herniated disc occurs when the inner jelly substance pushes through that crack and presses into nearby spinal nerves. Several factors can contribute to disc herniation, including:

Aging
Carrying excessive weight
Repeated motions
Improperly lifting or twisting

Herniated Disc Treatments

Generally, the severity of a herniated disc is the most significant factor when determining the most effective treatment for the condition. Before treatment options are discussed with patients, board-certified physicians will first examine the patient and perform any necessary tests to get a better understanding of their symptoms.

Once the physician has a thorough knowledge of a patient’s condition, they will discuss possible treatments for disc herniation. Common solutions include:

Medication
Epidural injections
Physical and occupational therapy
Herniated disc surgery
Lumbar Disc Microsurgery

For non-emergency cases, surgery is an option reserved where other treatments fail to improve a patient’s symptoms. However, if physicians believe surgical intervention is necessary, they will provide detailed information about the procedure along with the recovery process. They will also answer any questions patients may have. Southlake Orthopaedics aims to be transparent with all patients about surgery to build and maintain trust throughout care.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Herniated Disc Treatments and Services

At Southlake Orthopaedics, physicians take a multi-disciplinarily approach to treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system. The staff features experienced orthopedic doctors and other specialists to deliver personalized care at each stage of diagnosis and treatment. Whether through surgery, physical therapy, medication, epidural injections, or a combination of multiple treatments, Southlake Orthopaedics wants patients to experience less pain and more living.

Find Relief for Herniated Disc Pain at Southlake Orthopaedics

A herniated disc left untreated can worsen over time, resulting in debilitating circumstances. To prevent the condition from progressing, patients should turn to the orthopedic care experts at Southlake Orthopaedics.

As a full orthopedic practice, experienced physicians offer patients in-house physical therapy, surgery centers, and bone health services — everything they need to experience less pain and more living. With two convenient office locations in central Alabama — Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview — patients can receive the herniated disc treatment appropriate for them. For more information regarding herniated disc services and treatment, contact Southlake Orthopaedics today.

Herniated Discs

Understanding Herniated Discs And The Treatments Available To You

Diagnosis and Treatments for Herniated Discs in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Herniated Disc in the Back

Herniated Disc in the Neck

Herniated Disc Causes

Herniated Disc Treatments

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Herniated Disc Treatments and Services

Find Relief for Herniated Disc Pain at Southlake Orthopaedics

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