Relief for Herniated Disc Pain
Minimally invasive care to restore function, reduce pressure, and support healing
Understanding Herniated Discs and Their Impact
A herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral disc becomes damaged or shifts out of place, causing irritation to nearby spinal nerves. This often leads to pain, stiffness, numbness, or tingling in the lower back or limbs. Herniated discs may develop gradually due to age-related degeneration or suddenly from physical injuries, such as improper lifting or trauma.
If left untreated, a herniated disc can evolve into a serious condition that risks permanent nerve or spinal cord damage. Seeking early diagnosis and treatment is essential to avoid complications and maintain mobility.
Understanding Herniated Discs and Their Impact
A herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral disc becomes damaged or shifts out of place, causing irritation to nearby spinal nerves. This often leads to pain, stiffness, numbness, or tingling in the lower back or limbs. Herniated discs may develop gradually due to age-related degeneration or suddenly from physical injuries, such as improper lifting or trauma.
If left untreated, a herniated disc can evolve into a serious condition that risks permanent nerve or spinal cord damage. Seeking early diagnosis and treatment is essential to avoid complications and maintain mobility.
Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine
Understanding the structure of the lower back helps explain how herniated discs develop:
Vertebrae
These are the bones that form the spine and surround each disc, providing support and protecting the spinal cord.
Intervertebral discs
These soft, cushion-like structures absorb shock and add flexibility to the spine.
Spinal cord
The central nerve structure that runs through the vertebrae.
Spinal nerves
These branch from the spinal cord and extend into the lower body, controlling sensation and movement.
Signs of a Herniated Disc
If a herniated disc occurs, the outer layer of the intervertebral disc becomes damaged or cracked, allowing the inner gel-like substance to leak out. This leakage puts pressure on nearby nerves, leading to irritation, inflammation, and pain in the lumbar region. In many cases, symptoms extend beyond the lower back and radiate into other areas. Common signs of a herniated disc include:
✔ Lower back pain
✔ Numbness or tingling in the affected area
✔ Muscle weakness or reduced mobility
✔ Radiating pain into the buttocks or legs
Causes of a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc can occur from a combination of internal degeneration and external forces, including:
Natural wear and tear from aging
Physical strain from heavy lifting or repetitive movement
Improper exercise or posture habits
Accidents or spinal trauma
Herniated Disc Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing a herniated disc:
✔ Age: The discs naturally lose hydration and elasticity over time
✔ Occupation: Jobs that involve frequent lifting or bending
✔ Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, heavy alcohol use, and smoking can weaken spinal health over time
Diagnosing a Herniated Disc
During a herniated disc diagnosis, multiple factors may come in handy to provide faster symptom recognition. Your healthcare provider will examine your medical family history to discard any congenital factors contributing to the disease’s development.
A physical examination is also done for your lower back area and legs to identify any potential issues. Additionally, imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can help thoroughly monitor your spinal health.
Once your doctor has examined these evaluations, you will receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Best Treatments for Herniated Discs
Treatment options range from conservative therapy to advanced interventions, depending on the severity of the condition.
Conservative Treatments
Physical therapy for herniated discs can improve mobility, reduce nerve pressure, and relieve pain. These exercises are most effective when guided by a healthcare provider to avoid injury.
Complementing therapy with healthy lifestyle habits can further ease symptoms. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling strengthen the spine’s supporting muscles and improve flexibility.
Good posture also plays a key role. Using ergonomic furniture and proper screen height helps reduce strain on the lower back. Maintaining a healthy weight minimizes pressure on spinal nerves, while a balanced diet and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol use support overall spinal health and recovery.
Non-Opioid Medication and Injections
If conservative treatments don’t help reduce pain and discomfort in the lumbar area completely, your doctor could recommend the following treatment options:
✔ Non-opioid medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve-targeting agents like anticonvulsants may reduce pain and swelling. Your provider will customize dosage and delivery methods based on your case.
✔ Steroid injections: These are administered near the irritated nerve root using image guidance to reduce inflammation and block pain signals. They typically offer longer-lasting relief than local anesthetics.
Pain Management Procedures
Pain management targets the nerves responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. These procedures can significantly improve quality of life when combined with physical therapy:
✔ Radiofrequency ablation: Uses heat to disrupt nerve signals
✔ Nerve root blocks and facet joint injections: Deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to irritated nerves
✔ High-frequency nerve stimulation: Interferes with pain transmission
Nerve Electrical Stimulation (Neuromodulation)
Neuromodulation uses electrical signals to alter nerve activity and stop pain from reaching the brain:
✔ Spinal cord stimulation: A small implant sends electrical pulses to block nerve signals from the affected area
✔ Other devices may be used externally or internally depending on the patient’s needs and level of pain
Minimally Invasive Interventions
These outpatient procedures offer significant pain relief and improved mobility with minimal downtime. Unlike traditional surgery, they don’t require large incisions, general anesthesia, or extended recovery. Common procedures include:
✔ MILD® (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression): A needle guided by X-ray is used to remove excess bone or ligament in the spine using radiofrequency tools, relieving nerve compression.
✔ Vertiflex: A small tube is inserted into the spine to place interspinous spacers between vertebrae. These spacers help maintain spacing and reduce pressure from disc bulges.
Care That’s Close to Home
We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.
Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.
Tualatin Clinic
Newberg Clinic
Care That’s Close to Home
We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.
Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.
Tualatin Clinic
Newberg Clinic
Why Choose Spinal Diagnostics?
Patients choose Spinal Diagnostics for our comprehensive approach, accurate diagnostics, and compassionate care. We stay at the forefront of interventional procedures and are committed to improving your quality of life—without opioids or invasive surgeries.
Proven Medical Expertise
We bring years of clinical experience in pain management and interventional procedures.
Constant Innovation
We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure safe, effective treatment.
Compassionate Care
We listen, understand, and treat every patient with empathy and respect.
Personalized Plans
Each treatment is tailored to your condition, goals, and lifestyle.
Explore the treatments that bring real relief.
Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.
Explore the treatments that bring real relief.
Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.
