Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a common cause of neck and back pain. At Pain Management Associates LLC in Greenbelt, Maryland, Haddis T. Hagos, MD, DABA, DABA-PM, Brent Earls, MD, and the team specialize in diagnosing and treating pain caused by a herniated disc. They offer many pain management treatment options to reduce your discomfort and improve your quality of life. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a damaged intervertebral disc. Each vertebra in your spine is separated and cushioned by an intervertebral disc. These discs have a tough exterior and soft gel-like interior.

You have a herniated disc when the gel-like center of the intervertebral disc breaks through the tough exterior.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Herniated disc symptoms vary depending on the location of the damaged disc, the severity of the herniation, and whether the damaged disc is irritating or compressing a spinal nerve.

If a herniated disc isn’t pressing on a nerve, you may not have any discomfort or only dull achy pain in the neck or back. If there’s nerve involvement with the herniated disc, you may have:

• Neck or back pain
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Electric shock-like pain that radiates into the shoulder or legs
• Muscle weakness

A herniated disc is a common cause of sciatica and cervical radiculopathy.

When should I see pain management for a herniated disc?

You should visit Pain Management Associates LLC if you have neck or back pain from a herniated disc that affects your daily life. The team specializes in treating acute and chronic spine pain conditions, providing treatments that offer long-term results.

During your initial consultation, the team reviews your symptoms, activities that worsen your pain, and your daily routine. They also ask about past treatments you’ve tried to manage your pain.

Your provider performs a physical exam, paying close attention to the spine. They may also request X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI to determine the location and severity of the herniation. 

What are some treatment options for a herniated disc?

The team at Pain Management Associates LLC takes a multidisciplinary approach to care, combining interventional procedures with medical interventions, so you get the best possible outcomes.

Treatment for your herniated disc may include:

• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy
• Activity modification
• Medication management
• Epidural steroid injections
• Spinal decompression therapy
• Spinal cord stimulation

The team works closely with you, adjusting your plan to best fit your lifestyle. When pain management no longer relieves the discomfort of your herniated disc, the team may refer you to a surgeon to discuss surgical options.

Find out more about herniated disc treatment options at Pain Management Associates LLC by calling the office or scheduling an appointment online today.