What is a Herniated Disc?

Normal discs in your back function as rubbery cushions between the vertebrae (bones), which make up the spine. These discs act as natural shock absorbers between the vertebrae. When a disc becomes damaged due to a tear, a crack or a rupture, it can cause compression of the spinal nerves. This is what we call a disc herniation.

Herniated discs in the neck cause neck pain and are called cervical disc herniations. Herniated discs in the lower back are called lumbar spine disc herniations. These are the two most common parts of the spine to be affected by a herniated disc. Our herniated disc doctor, Dr. Kountis, is an expert in providing herniated disc treatments in Staten Island.

 

What causes a Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs are common and can be caused by hard falls, direct impact, sports injuries and age. As we age, discs become dry and brittle, leaving them more susceptible to tearing, cracks, and injury.

 

What are the symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location in the spine of the affected disc.

 

Common symptoms of a cervical disc herniation include:

• Neck pain
• Pain, weakness or numbing of the shoulders and/or arms
• Tingling of the arm

 

Common symptoms of a lumbar disc herniation include:

• Low back pain
• Pain, weakness of numbing of the buttocks or leg (sciatica)
• Tingling of the leg
• Difficulty and pain walking or standing for long periods of time

 

Herniated Disc Treatment in Staten Island

Prior to treatment for a herniated disc, Dr. Kountis will ask for a history of the issue, provide a physical examination and may request an MRI. Fortunately, if you do in fact have a herniated disc, our herniated disc doctor specializes in non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to help relieve your pain and improve function.

The Staten Island herniated disc doctor at Anagenesis Spine & Pain Medicine will tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Treatments in Staten Island may include physical therapy, acupuncture, manual therapies, epidural steroid injections and nerve root blocks.