Herniated Disc – A Progressive Condition of Disc Degeneration

A herniated disk occurs when a disc protrusion ruptures, or herniates through the wall of the intervertebral disc. When this happens, viscous material from the interior of the disc leaks into the spinal canal, where it can impinge on nerves and cause pain and other problems, including partial paralysis. Disc herniations typically occur in stages. The first stage is a bulging disc, when the disc’s interior material pushes into the thick outer wall creating a bulge. When the bulge becomes larger, it is classified as a disc protrusion, the second stage of this process. If the protrusion continues to expand, eventually it can become a herniated, or ruptured disc.

Herniated Disc Symptoms and Therapies

A herniated disc is frequently caused by the process of aging, as the cartilage that forms the discs dries and weakens over time. The herniation can occur in any part of the spine and can affect the associated nerves. A herniated lumbar disc, on the lower part of the spine, can cause pain that radiates down the legs and into the feet. This type of shooting pain into the legs is referred to as sciatica. A herniated cervical disc (in the neck region) can cause pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulders, down the arms, and into the fingers. Treatments for a herniated disc can include medication, rest, and surgery. Over the past 10 years, surgical treatment options have improved considerably. Minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedures can frequently offer a safe and effective treatment option for some cases of herniated discs and many other spinal conditions. Looking for top-rated spinal specialists near you? The board certified physicians at The New Jersey Spine Specialists treat patients from around the world as well as locally from Glen Ridge, Millburn, Livingston and communities throughout Somerset and Middlesex Counties for all forms of degenerative disc disease. We use approaches including the latest in minimally invasive procedures, tailored to the needs of each patient. If you want the best herniated disc therapy near you or treatment for any other spinal problem, call or email us to schedule a consultation at our offices in Summit or Montclair, New Jersey.

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