Your spine is formed by the vertebrae, which have intervertebral discs between them. These discs act as shock absorbers and help keep the spine flexible. When damage to the spine results in bulging or extrusion of the discs, it is referred to as a herniated disc. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

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• Advancing age

• Trauma

• Smoking

• Poor diet

• Poor body mechanics

• Injury

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Some common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Pain

• Numbness

• Weakness in the affected area

 

Depending on the location of the herniated disc, these symptoms may occur in the back, buttocks or lower legs.

When you come in to Evergreen Spine and Pain, Dr. Tong will review your medical and family history before performing a physical and neurological examination. This exam will include testing your reflexes as well as taking any necessary X-rays or scans to visualize the bone, disc and nerve structures.

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Your initial treatment will most likely involve non-surgical treatment options, such as resting, modifying your activities, applying heat or ice, physical therapy or medications. In the majority of cases, treatments with non-surgical methods help the spine heal within a period of one to six months. If non-surgical methods are not effective for you, we may recommend spinal surgery to remove the segment of herniated disc causing the nerve compression.

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Please call Evergreen Spine and Pain Centers at 949-414-PAIN (7246) for more information about disc herniations  treatments and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Isaac Tong.

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