Disc Herniation

What is a Herniated Disc?

Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine, allowing flexibility and absorbing shock. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a soft, gel-like center. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like material protrudes through a weak or torn area in the outer ring, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.

Causes

Disc herniation can result from:

• Age-related degeneration: The most common cause - discs naturally lose water content and become less flexible over time
• Acute injury or strain: Such as improper lifting or sudden twisting
• Repetitive stress: From jobs or activities involving frequent bending, lifting, or twisting
• Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to disc problems

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the location of the herniated disc and whether it's pressing on a nerve:

• No symptoms: If the disc doesn't compress a nerve, you may have no symptoms at all
• Pain: Sharp or burning pain in the affected area
• Numbness or tingling: In the area served by the affected nerve
• Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerve may weaken
• Sciatica: When a lumbar disc presses on the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates from the lower back down through the hip and leg

Diagnosis

Dr. Lee will review your medical history, perform a physical examination to test muscle strength and reflexes, and order diagnostic imaging such as MRI to confirm the diagnosis and identify which disc is affected.

Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment

Most herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatment:

• Activity modification and rest
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Epidural steroid injections

Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments don't provide relief after several weeks, surgery may be recommended:

• Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve
• Disc replacement: In some cases, the damaged disc may be replaced with an artificial disc

Dr. Lee specializes in minimally invasive techniques that result in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.