Understanding and Managing Herniated Discs

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we specialize in diagnosing and treating herniated discs, one of the most common causes of back and neck pain. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care to help relieve your symptoms, restore mobility, and prevent future spine problems.

A herniated disc — also called a slipped or ruptured disc — occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer. This can irritate or compress nearby spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs, depending on the disc's location.

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the:

• Lumbar spine (lower back)
• Cervical spine (neck)
• Less commonly, the thoracic spine (mid-back)

Several factors contribute to the development of a herniated disc:

• Natural aging and disc degeneration
• Sudden trauma (such as lifting a heavy object improperly)
• Repetitive movements that strain the spine
• Excessive weight putting pressure on spinal discs
• Genetic predisposition to spine conditions

Over time, discs lose flexibility and become more prone to tearing or rupturing.

You may be at higher risk for a herniated disc if you:

• Are between the ages of 30 and 60
• Perform heavy lifting or repetitive bending
• Are overweight or obese
• Have a sedentary lifestyle with weak core muscles
• Smoke (which reduces oxygen supply to the discs)

Early intervention can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity but may include:

• Lower back pain radiating down one leg (sciatica)
• Neck pain radiating into the arm or hand
• Tingling or numbness in affected areas
• Muscle weakness that affects balance or mobility
• Sharp, shooting pain with certain movements
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (a medical emergency called cauda equina syndrome)

If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly sudden weakness or loss of control, seek medical evaluation immediately.

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, our comprehensive diagnostic approach includes:

• Detailed medical history and review of symptoms
• Physical and neurological examination testing strength, reflexes, and sensation
• Advanced imaging studies:
  • MRI to clearly view disc herniation and nerve compression
  • CT scans for additional detail if needed
  • X-rays to rule out other spine issues

In some cases, we may recommend nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve function.

Most herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatments, such as:

Medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Muscle relaxants
• Neuropathic pain medications (gabapentin, pregabalin)

Physical therapy:

• Specific exercises to strengthen the core and relieve pressure on nerves
• Postural correction techniques

Activity modification:

• Avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged sitting

Cold and heat therapy:

• To reduce inflammation and muscle spasms

The majority of patients achieve significant improvement within weeks to months with conservative care.

For cases requiring additional pain management, we offer advanced injection therapies, including:

• Epidural steroid injections:
  • To reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
• Selective nerve root blocks:
  • Target specific nerves causing symptoms
• Facet joint injections:
  • For associated spinal arthritis or instability

Injections can provide substantial relief, making it easier to participate in rehabilitation programs.

Surgery may be considered if:

• Conservative treatments fail after 6-12 weeks
• Severe weakness, significant functional impairment, or cauda equina symptoms develop

Surgical options for herniated discs include:

• Microdiscectomy:
  • Minimally invasive removal of the herniated portion pressing on nerves
• Laminectomy:
  • Widening of the spinal canal to relieve pressure
• Spinal fusion (rarely needed):
  • To stabilize segments in cases of spinal instability

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we ensure surgery is only considered after thorough evaluation and discussion.

Patients choose Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we provide:

• Board-certified spine and pain management specialists
• Comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans
• Minimally invasive, cutting-edge therapies
• Collaborative care with physical therapists and surgeons

Our mission is to relieve your pain, restore your function, and empower you to live your best life.