When the jelly-like fluid within an intervertebral disc bulges outward, it may compress the surrounding nerves, leading to extreme pain, weakness, and numbness. You may experience the symptoms of herniated discs on various parts of the body, depending on the location of the herniated disc. Dr. Behnam Salari performs numerous diagnostic scans to identify your herniated disc in Morristown and alleviate the symptoms using conservative solutions or minimally invasive herniated disc surgery in New Jersey.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Intervertebral discs are spongy cushions located between the vertebrae of the spinal column. The intervertebral discs prevent the bones from grinding against each other, thus absorbing the shock from movements. An intervertebral disc consists of a hard outer shell and an internal nucleus that’s soft and gelatinous. Disc herniation is a condition wherein the intervertebral disc’s outer shell ruptures, and the gelatinous component pushes outward.
The spinal canal contains limited space, and the nerve roots travel through these spaces to transmit sensations and electrical impulses. When an intervertebral disc is ruptured, the internal nucleus protrudes outward and exerts pressure on the nerve roots, leading to nerve compression. This can lead to nerve inflammation, chronic pain, and numerous other symptoms. The location and intensity of the symptoms depend on which disc is ruptured.
Potential Causes of Disc Herniation:
- Age-related wear and tear of intervertebral discs
- Acute spinal injuries and trauma, such as falls and collisions
- Repetitive lifting and/ or twisting motions
- Incorrect lifting and/ or twisting motions
- Lack of regular exercise can weaken the discs
- Tobacco usage can dry out the discs
Symptoms of Lumbar Herniated Discs:
- Mild to severe lower back pain
- Muscle spasms on the lower back
- Sciatica pain from the buttock to the leg or foot
- Burning, numbness, and tingling sensations
- Loss of lower leg functions
Symptoms of Cervical Herniated Discs:
- Mild to severe neck or shoulder pain
- Persistent pain that originates from the neck and travels down the arms and hands
- Signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy
- Numbness and tingling sensations on the shoulders and arms
- Mobility problems with the arms
Treatment of Disc Herniation
Dr. Salari performs thorough diagnostic tests and scans, such as CT scans, X-rays, MRI scans, and nerve studies, to trace the root cause of your herniated disc in Morristown. Based on the diagnostic results, he curates a personalized treatment plan for you. Most cases of disc herniation can be resolved without surgeries within four to six months. Dr. Salari only resorts to herniated disc surgery if all other options fail.
Conservative Options:
- Medications, such as muscle relaxants, narcotics, and anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy, such as massage, traction, stretching, or exercise to improve mobility
- Epidural injections to reduce inflammation of the nerve roots
Herniated Disc Surgery
Dr. Salari uses cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical techniques to address the root cause of disc herniation. Common treatments for a herniated disc include laminotomy or discectomy — these procedures expand the intervertebral space and remove the damaged components of the disc. The surgeon may also perform a tubular microdiscectomy, wherein a robotic microscope removes the damaged components of the herniated disc via a small incision.
Contact Dr. Salari for Herniated Disc Treatments
Dr. Behnam Salari is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine surgeries in New Jersey. He always diagnoses and treats the root cause of your spinal conditions instead of simply masking the superficial symptoms. He customizes each treatment plan according to your unique needs to ensure optimal results with minimal downtime for your herniated disc in Morristown. Dr. Salari only resorts to surgeries after exhausting all other conservative solutions.
If you have mild to severe back pain, muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, and weakness on the extremities of your body, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Salari at our offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Sparta, or Randolph in New Jersey.
