Herniated Disc Specialist

Maiden Lane Medical

Multi-Specialty Group Practice located in New York, NY

A herniated disk can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and inflammation that gets worse with everyday movement. If you want nonsurgical treatment, visit Jennifer Zocca, MD, at Maiden Lane Medical in New York City. With a special emphasis on pain management, Dr. Zocca helps patients heal from disk herniations so they can move with ease and enjoy their favorite activities. Call today to book your personalized consultation or schedule an appointment online..

“My Doctor was knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. She answered all my questions and really put me at ease. Her laidback and friendly demeanor made it easy for me to talk to her. Needless to say I’ll be going back!”

STEPHANIE L.

What is a herniated disk?

The spine is made up of small sacs, or disks, that sit between each vertebra. The disks are typically filled with a gel-like substance, which keeps them in place and provides the cushion between your bones. When a disk herniates, the fluid inside leaks out of a tear in the disk’s lining, which causes irritation on the nearby nerves and can create chronic or acute pain.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disk?

Herniated disks in the lower back can cause sudden pain that many people describe as sciatica because the pain starts in your back and radiates down the leg. This pain can be associated with numbness and tingling; it’s often a burning sensation, and the pain is worse at night.

A herniated disk in the upper back can cause similar symptoms, except that the pain may radiate around the shoulder, neck, or down into the arm or hand.

If you have a herniated disk, you may find the pain gets worse with movement and better after rest. Some people note that moving their arms or legs into a certain position temporarily relieves the pain.

What causes a herniated disk?

A disk herniation can happen naturally with age, as the spine gradually changes and the disks lose their fluid content. In other cases, a herniated disk develops because of repetitive motion or injury to some part of the back, trauma from a car accident, poor posture, or the stress that being overweight puts on the spine. There is also some evidence that herniated disks may have a genetic component.

How is a herniated disk treated?

There are a variety of treatment options for herniated disks. Dr. Zocca works closely with other members of the Maiden Lane Medical team to customize a treatment plan that addresses your pain and resolves the structural issues of a herniated disk. Some of the most common treatment methods are:

Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid injections to reduce inflammation and swelling
Physical therapy: Relieves pressure on the affected nerves and allows the disk to return to a normal position
Lifestyle modifications: Herbal supplements, dietary changes, or at-home exercises to support healing

To have your symptoms assessed by an expert pain management team, contact Maiden Lane Medical today. Call or book a consultation online to get started.