Living With a Herniated Disc

If you’re experiencing persistent back pain or shooting pain down your leg, you might be dealing with a herniated disc. As a neurosurgeon, I often see patients who are in pain, frustrated and searching for relief. Let us help you understand what a herniated disc is, why it happens and how you can manage it.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also called a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when a part of the disc material slips out of its usual place. Imagine your spine as a stack of bones cushioned by soft discs that allow flexibility. When one of these discs gets pushed out, it can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness or even weakness. The most common places for this to occur are the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine), but it can happen anywhere along the spine.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Discs may herniate for various reasons, including aging, lifestyle habits or physical strain. Here are a few common risk factors:

• Repetitive strain: Repeated bending, twisting or heavy lifting can add stress to your spine, weakening the discs over time.
• Sitting for long periods: Extended sitting, especially with poor posture, increases pressure on your discs.
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity and smoking also play a role, as they can weaken the spine and reduce its natural resilience.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

If you have a herniated disc, you may notice:

• Sharp pain: Often radiating to your arm or leg, depending on the disc location.
• Numbness or tingling: A common sign of nerve compression.
• Weakness: If left untreated, nerve compression can cause muscle weakness in the affected limb.

For those with lumbar disc herniations, pain might be felt in the leg or lower back. In cervical disc herniations, pain often travels from the neck down to the arm.

Diagnosing a Herniated Disc

When I meet with patients, I typically start with a physical exam, checking for signs of numbness, muscle weakness or reflex changes. If needed, imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan can confirm the location and severity of the herniation.

Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc

Most people may not need surgery. Initial treatments often include:

• Rest and medication: Taking it easy for a few days along with anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles around the spine and improve flexibility may be beneficial for patients with disc issues.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating regular physical activity and quitting smoking may help with long-term back health.

For some patients, injections of corticosteroids around the herniated disc may help by reducing inflammation. Surgery is typically considered only when pain persists despite conservative measures.

When Is Surgery Needed

If conservative treatments don’t bring relief, we may discuss surgical options. A common procedure is microdiscectomy, where a small part of the herniated disc is removed to relieve nerve pressure. In more severe cases, a spinal fusion might be necessary to stabilize the spine.

Click Here to Schedule an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a herniated disc heal on its own?

Yes, many herniated discs may improve over time with conservative treatment. Staying active, with guidance from your healthcare provider, can promote healing.

What exercises should I avoid with a herniated disc?

Avoid heavy lifting, bending and twisting movements until cleared by your provider. Low-impact exercises, like walking or swimming, are generally safe and beneficial.

Is there a risk of re-herniation after surgery?

While surgery is effective, a disc can re-herniate. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good posture can reduce this risk.

When should I consider seeing a specialist?

If you experience severe or worsening pain, numbness or weakness or if conservative treatments haven’t worked, see a spine specialist.

How long does it typically take to recover from a herniated disc?

Recovery time for a herniated disc can vary widely depending on the severity of the herniation and the treatment approach. For many people, symptoms improve significantly within a few weeks to a few months with conservative treatments like rest, medication and physical therapy. However, it may take up to a year for some individuals to fully return to their usual activities without discomfort.