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.

Herniated Disc Specialist

Q: How is a herniated disk treated?

here 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, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Do you have sudden, sharp back pain that also causes arm or leg pain and instantly stops you in your tracks? If so, you may be among the many who have excruciating herniated disc pain. Fortunately, there are non-surgical treatment options available, including physical therapy, to relieve pain.

At Maiden Lane Medical located in New York City, Jennifer Zocca, MD specializes in pain management. She has assisted many to heal and return to living a life without painful restrictions—even those caused by a herniated disc. Call or schedule your personalized consultation appointment online today!

“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 Are Herniated Discs?

Herniated discs are common spinal conditions that occur in the lower back region (lumbar spine) or neck, causing neck, back, or leg pain. A herniated lumbar disc is the most common.

Your spinal column is made up of vertebrae, also known as spinal bones. You have intervertebral discs or small sacs that lie between each vertebra. These intervertebral discs are typically filled with a gel-like substance. They act as shock absorbers and provide cushion for your spinal bones, taking pressure off your spine while you perform certain movements.

When a portion of one of these discs protrudes into your spinal canal, it is called a herniated disc. Since your spinal canal has limited space, it is common for a disc to pinch a spinal nerve. This displacement puts pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in chronic or acute pain. This condition can also put pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots.

Herniated Disk

A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) means that one of the soft cushions or discs between your vertebrae or spinal bones pushes out. This allows the jelly-like center of the disc to leak, irritating the nearby nerves. Read more about treatment options.

What Causes Disc Herniation?

Disc herniation can be caused by:

Gradual changes in your spine as you age that result in your disc losing its fluid content. This is known as degenerative disc disease.
Poor posture
Repetitive motion
Injury
Trauma from a car accident
Excess stress being put on your spine due to being overweight
Sudden strain from not using the proper lifting techniques
Using improper form when twisting
Being predisposed to this condition due to genetics

Herniated Discs Symptoms

Symptoms of herniated discs will vary depending on the location of the herniation. If the disc is not putting pressure on a nerve root, you may not have any symptoms.

If you have a herniated disc in your lower back (herniated lumbar disc), you may experience the following:

Sudden, sharp back pain that shoots down one side of your buttocks and radiates into your leg (called sciatica). This back pain can be linked with numbness and tingling, and often produces a burning sensation
Pain that tends to be worse at night
Muscle weakness

If you have a herniated disc in your neck (herniated cervical disc), you may experience:

Pain that radiates down into your shoulder or down into your arm, hand, and fingers
Numbness in your hands
Weakness in your hands

You may find the pain intensifies with movement and improves after rest. Some people find that moving their arms or legs into a certain position temporarily relieves the pain. If you notice that your pain is increasing, or you are having difficulty with bowel or bladder control, seek medical assistance immediately.

Have more questions?

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Who Are at Risk of Developing Herniated Discs?

You may also be at risk of developing a herniated disc if you:

Are between the ages of 30 and 50
Are a male (This condition affects men twice as much as it does women)
Sit in the same position for extended periods of time
Repetitively use a twisting or bending motion to accomplish tasks
Lift heavy objects
Are overweight
Smoke

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease (IDD) is a common musculoskeletal condition where one or more of the discs that separate and cushion the bones of the spine degenerate. This degeneration leads to pain in the back or neck and frequently in the legs and arms. Learn what causes IDD and how it’s treated.

Have more questions?

Chat with us online! Use our webchat in the lower right hand of your screen

How Are Herniated Discs Diagnosed?

To make an accurate diagnosis, your specialist will review your complete medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also order the following test to get a diagnostic view of your spinal cord:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
Computed Tomography (CT) scan
Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS):
Myelogram
X-rays

How Are Herniated Discs Treated?

There are a variety of effective treatment options for relieving the pain caused by herniated discs. Your treatment may vary depending on the severity of your condition.

Dr. Zocca works closely with other Maiden Lane Medical team members to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your pain and resolves the structural issues of a herniated disc. Some of the most common treatment methods for herniated discs include:

Pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or an epidural steroid injection to reduce spinal nerve inflammation and swelling.
Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes, herbal supplements, or at-home exercises to promote healing.
Physical therapy: To relieve pressure on the affected spinal nerves and allow your disc the opportunity to reposition itself into its normal position. Physical therapy will also help improve your range of motion.

If you long for relief and would like to have your symptoms assessed by an expert pain management team, contact Maiden Lane Medical today. Call our office in Manhattan, NY, or book a consultation online to get started on your road to recovery!

Medically Reviewed By

Jennifer Zocca, MD

Medical Director and Pain Management Physician

Medically Reviewed By

David M. Kaufman, MD

Board Certified Urologist

Specialists