Herniated Discs

Vertebral discs have a tough outer shell and a soft material inside, providing a durable cushion between the vertebrae. This cushion prevents injury to the vertebrae and facet joints during movement and strain while helping protect the spinal cord and nerve roots. When the harder outside shell is damaged, the softer material can protrude. This is called a herniated disc, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including chronic back and neck pain. Medici Orthopaedics & Spine has two clinics and a surgical center in the Atlanta area that provide treatments for patients with herniated discs to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Causes and Symptoms of Herniated Discs

A spinal disc can rupture due to many reasons or a combination of factors. Severe trauma or strain can damage or crack the outer shell. Pressure from the spine may push out the jelly-like material inside the disc. Other factors include degenerative disc disease, loss of water content, repetitive stress on the spine, obesity and genetics.

Some people with herniated discs experience no symptoms or pain. For others, pain, numbness and weakness that is caused by the damaged disc can impact their quality of life. The protruding disc may put pressure on the surrounding tissue and nerve roots. Some people have severe or chronic localized pain, while others may have radiating pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms, hands, hips and legs.

Depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of the injury to the spinal disc, there are many conservative and minimally-invasive treatments available for herniated discs. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we focus on using conservative treatment modalities whenever possible, limiting or eliminating the need for opioids or addictive medications. Physical therapy, injections, spinal cord stimulation and many other treatments can be part of a personalized treatment plan for herniated discs.

If you have chronic symptoms that are caused by a herniated disc, come see us at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine. We have locations in Buckhead and Kennesaw. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with one of our experienced pain physicians.