DISC HERNIATIONS

Dr. Edward Magaziner, MD

CREDENTIALS

Disc Herniations (At A Glance):

• What Are Disc Herniations
• Causes of Disc Herniations
• Diagnosing Disc Herniations
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Our Treatment

Disc Herniations (Definitions):

1. What Are Disc Herniations?
   The intervertebral disc is a soft cushion that sits between each vertabrae of the spine. The disc acts like a shock absorber and keeps the vertebrae apart. In many people, the disc is soft and elastic, but as you get older the disc gradually looses its elasticity. As the disc becomes less elastic, it can bulge or herniate. A disc herniation occurs when a portion of the disc (nucleus) pushes outside its normal boundary. When a disc herniates the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched. There is normally a little extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, but if enough of the herniated disc is pushed out of place, then these structures may be compressed.
   
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2. Causes of a Disc Herniation
   A herniated disc may occur suddenly in an event such as a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually with repetitive stress and strain to the spine. People who have a history of back injury or persistent back pain should be evaluated for a herniated disc. Underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis are more susceptible to having a disc herniation.
   
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3. Diagnosing The Cause
   The most important part of caring for patients with disc herniations is an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Magaziner uses his years of clinical experience, thorough examination and sophisticated diagnostic tools which includes MRI, CAT scan and Discogram which looks for small cracks and herniations inside the disc to arrive at his diagnosis.
   
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4. Symptoms
   Symptoms vary greatly depending on the position of the herniated disc and the size of the herniation. If the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, you may experience a low backache or no pain at all. If it is pressing on a nerve, there may be pain, numbness, or weakness in the area of the body to which the nerve travels. Typically, a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of neck or back pain or a long history of intermittent episodes of arm or leg pain. Lumbar spine (lower back): Sciatica frequently results from a herniated disc in the lower back. Pressure on one or several nerves that contribute to the sciatic nerve can cause pain, burning, tingling, and numbness that radiates from the buttock into the leg and sometimes into the foot. This symptom can be on both sides or only one side. This pain often is described as sharp and electric shock-like. It may be more severe with standing, walking or sitting. Along with leg pain, you may experience low back pain. Cervical spine (neck): Symptoms may include dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, pain that radiates down the arm to the hand or fingers, or numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm. The pain may increase with certain positions or movements of the neck.
   
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5. Treatment
   Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery. The initial treatment is usually conservative and non-surgical.
   
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6. Our Treatment
   Dr. Magaziner’s philosophy is to start with the more conservative treatments first. If necessary, The Center for Spine, Sports, Pain Management and Orthopedics Regenerative Medicine provides multiple forms of treatment to help patients recover from acute or chronic conditions.
   
   Some of the treatments we offer include:
   • Endoscopic Discectomy
   • Epidural Injections
   • Laser Therapy
   • Disctrode
   • Nucleoplasty
   • Spinal Cord Stimulators
   • PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
   • Prolotherapy
   • Stem Cell Grafts
   • Medication
   • Acupuncture
   • Chiropractic
   • Physical Therapy return to top