The chronic pain of a herniated disc can interfere with your quality of life and make it difficult to stay physically active. At Integrity Spine & Orthopedics in Jacksonville, Florida, our team of orthopedic specialists offers on-site diagnostics to confirm a herniated disc. We create custom treatment plans that may include medications, physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgery to relieve your pain and help restore your mobility. Schedule a herniated disc evaluation by calling the office or booking online today.
In-between the vertebrae of your spine are gellike discs that absorb the impact of your movements and protect the stability of your spine.
While these discs are tough and durable, degenerative changes in your spine that are common with age or result from a spinal injury can cause the outer part of the disc to break down.
This leads to herniation in the disc, where the inner gel pushes through the disc and presses on nearby nerves.
In the early stages of a herniated disc, you may not experience any symptoms at all. However, as the gel begins to press on the nerves, you can experience pain that feels like a jolt or an electric shock.
Pain can worsen over time and become so intense that you can no longer stay active or go about your usual routine.
Pain typically occurs in the area of your spine where the disc is located, such as your cervical spine (neck) or your lumbar spine (lower back). However, continued compression on your nerves can cause pain to radiate into your arms and legs.
During your evaluation at Integrity Spine & Orthopedics, our team reviews your medical history and symptoms. In some cases, we can determine whether your pain relates to a herniated disc based on the location and severity of your pain.
To confirm disc damage and rule out other potential medical issues, you may need to have imaging tests, like X-rays, a CT scan, or MRI. These tests allow our team a closer look at the structure of your spine and provide the information necessary to create an effective treatment plan.
The goal of treating a herniated disc is to keep your pain well-managed and prevent your condition from worsening.
Initially, you may benefit from physical therapy and at-home exercises to alleviate pain and keep you strong and healthy. Ice and heat therapy can also reduce swelling and control your pain.
If nerve compression due to a herniated disc is severe, our team may recommend surgery. Our skilled surgical team uses minimally invasive techniques to remove the damaged disc and alleviate pressure on the nerve.
While surgery isn’t right for everyone with a herniated disc, you can find out if you’re a candidate for spine surgery during your consultation.
To seek treatment for a herniated disc, call Integrity Spine & Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.