Herniated Disc Specialist

Superior Pain Relief

Interventional Pain Management located in The Woodlands, Conroe, Spring, Houston & Baytown, TX

Back pain may be the result of a condition known as a herniated disc, where the cushioning tissue inside a disc starts pushing through its tough outer coating. Zaid Malik, MD, of Superior Pain Relief, which has locations in Houston, Baytown, Conroe, and The Woodlands, Texas, is a highly skilled specialist in interventional pain management who provides exceptional treatments for patients who have herniated discs and other causes of back pain. To find out more about treatment options for back pain and herniated discs, call Superior Pain Relief today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online.

Herniated Disc Q & A

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a common injury that can affect any part of the spine. A herniated disc can cause severe pain and other problems in the arms or legs.

Vertebral discs are flexible, rubbery cushions that support the vertebral bones. They allow the spine to twist and bend. Each disc has a soft inner nucleus that’s surrounded by a fibrous outer wall.

A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pushes through the outer wall. This herniation can result in a large bulge that can press against nearby nerve roots.

Herniated discs commonly result from an age-related weakening of the spinal discs. This is called disc degeneration, and it can occur gradually over many years as a result of normal wear and tear on the spine. A herniated disc can also result from a traumatic injury, or from lifting a heavy object improperly.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the disc and the severity of the rupture. Some herniated discs cause no symptoms, and a person with this type of injury may not realize the disc is damaged. But a herniated disc can also cause severe pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness.

Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, where they can cause symptoms in the buttocks, legs, and feet. Herniated discs also occur in the neck, where they can cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms, and hands.

What treatments are available for herniated discs?

Treatment options for herniated discs depend on the location and severity of the injury. A herniated disc may be treated with:

Pain-relieving medications
Muscle relaxers
Corticosteroid injections
Anti-inflammatory medications
Cold compresses or ice packs several times a day
Gentle heat (once you stop having spasms)
Controlled exercise

A person with a herniated disc may well benefit from physical therapy, and in fact, most patients who have herniated discs recover using conservative treatments. In a few cases, patients who have herniated discs don’t find they’re improving with conservative approaches, in which case the disc may need to be treated with a surgical procedure.

If you suspect you have a herniated disc, or you’re suffering from any form of back pain, call Superior Pain Relief today, or book using the online tool.