Herniated Disc

A herniated disc typically develops when age or injury weakens the outer layer of a spinal disc. Common causes include:

• Age-related wear and disc degeneration
• Heavy lifting or repetitive strain to the disc
• A sudden injury or trauma to the spine
• Excess body weight, which adds pressure to spinal discs
• Genetics, which can affect disc strength over time

Diagnosing a herniated disc starts with a thorough evaluation by a POSH specialist. Our specialists typically evaluate patients by:

• Physical exam. Our specialists will review your medical history and assess your symptoms, reflexes, and physical condition to help identify the underlying cause.
• Imaging tests. X-rays, MRI or CT scans give our specialists a detailed look at the disc and surrounding structures, helping confirm a diagnosis.
• Diagnostic tests. This may include specialized tests such as an Electromyography/Nerve Conduction study, also known as an EMG/NCV, which looks at the functioning state of the nerves in question.

POSH specialists work alongside a multidisciplinary team to deliver nonsurgical treatments for a herniated disc. These conservative approaches are often the first step toward relief before surgical recommendations.

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Activity modification
• Prescriptive Medication

When nonsurgical methods don’t provide sufficient relief, a POSH specialist will discuss surgical options, which may include:

• Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve, helping relieve pain with hopefully a shorter recovery time to traditional open techniques.
• Artificial disc replacement surgery: This involves replacing an extensively damaged disc with an artificial one, which can relieve pain and restore movement and height to the segment of the spine.