The spinal disc is a soft cushion that sits between each vertebrae of the spine, and is similar to a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the softer “jelly” pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior. When this occurs, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched and inflamed.
A herniated disc may occur suddenly during a fall or an accident, or may occur gradually over time with repetitive stress on the spine. Often people who experience a herniated disc may develop or already have spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
When the spinal cord or spinal nerves become compressed, they do not function as they should, which means that abnormal signals may get passed from the compressed nerves, or nerve signals may not get passed at all.
Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:
• Electric Shock Pain: Pressure on the nerve can cause abnormal sensations, commonly experienced as electric shock pains.
• Tingling and Numbness
• Muscle Weakness
• Bowel or Bladder Problems
More information available about this condition in our newsletter
Treatment Options from Dr. David Provenzano
Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery. However, a very small percentage of people with herniated, degenerated discs may experience symptomatic or severe and debilitating low back or neck pain, which significantly affects their daily life. Based on an individual’s signs and symptoms, surgery may be indicated
Dr. Provenzano will perform a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan that includes the most advanced pain management techniques to treat herniated discs, which may include:
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West Virginia Pain Institute, leading experts for treating patients who suffer from pain, uses advanced diagnostic techniques to assess the source of the pain and develop a comprehensive and safe treatment approach that can significantly reduce your pain.
