Spinal disc herniation, often called a slipped disc, happens when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc bulges out or breaks through its resilient outer layer. Located between the vertebrae in your spine, these discs function as shock absorbers, enabling flexibility and preventing the vertebrae from rubbing together.

Herniation happens when a tear in the disc’s outer ring allows the central portion to protrude beyond the damaged outer layer. This can place pressure on adjacent nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the regions of the body those nerves affect.

We recommend surgery in cases where symptoms persist despite these treatments or if the patient experiences difficulty walking or standing, loss of bladder or bowel control, or worsening symptoms. Trust our team of skilled professionals for a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for spinal disc herniation.

The symptoms, ranging from mild to severe pain, numbness, or tingling, can vary widely depending on the disc’s location and size of the herniation. This condition can arise due to age-related changes or other factors such as wear and tear, injury, or improper lifting techniques.

Pain from a herniated disc can be felt in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and leg if the herniation is in the lumbar spine. If it is in the neck, the pain can extend to the shoulders and arms, and even cause headaches if nerves leading to the head are compressed. These symptoms may intensify with physical activity or even with simple actions like coughing or sneezing.

Numbness or tingling sensation, often accompanied by muscle weakness, can make everyday tasks challenging, leading to unexpected muscle failure. In some cases, a herniated disc may even result in neck pain and stiffness, low back pain and sciatica, headaches, or bowel or bladder problems.

Although not every herniated disc leads to symptoms, if you are dealing with any of these issues, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. At Specialty Medical Center, we are committed to preventing further complications, providing accurate diagnosis, and administering effective treatment. Regardless of whether your herniated disc was discovered during spinal imaging tests for an unrelated problem or you’ve been living with the pain for a while, we are here to help.

A herniated disc commonly results from the natural aging process, physical stress, or injury, which can lead to considerable pain, weakness, and numbness. With age, spinal discs lose moisture, reducing their flexibility and increasing their vulnerability to tears or ruptures. This gradual decline, known as disc degeneration, is the leading cause of herniated discs.

Certain activities and lifestyle choices can also increase your risk of disc herniation. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can strain your spinal discs, while smoking can weaken them. We not only provide treatment for this condition but also offer preventive advice to help you lower the risk.

Typically, a spinal disc herniation occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine), and the location of the herniation can determine the specific symptoms experienced. Our experts are adept at pinpointing the precise location and underlying cause of your herniated disc. We create a customized treatment plan designed to relieve your pain and discomfort.

The process involves a thorough physical examination and a series of advanced imaging tests.

Physical Examination: Our experienced physicians will conduct an in-depth assessment of your medical history and current symptoms, such as the intensity and location of your pain, along with any neurological symptoms. We will check for:

• Movement range and discomfort in the affected area

• Sensitivity to touch or temperature

• Reflexes and muscle strength

• Walking gait

• Specific movements that trigger symptoms, which help to localize the herniation (also known as provocative tests, e.g., Lhermitte’s sign, Spurling’s test)

Imaging Tests: If a herniated disc is suspected, our doctors will proceed with ordering diagnostic imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests, which provide detailed images of the spine and surrounding structures, include:

X-Rays: X-rays can be used to exclude other possible issues like tumors or infections by providing clear images of the spine

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Using magnetic fields and radio waves, an MRI produces high-resolution images of the spine, including the discs. This allows for clear visualization of the location and severity of herniations.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans utilize X-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the spine. While less detailed than MRI, they can reveal bony abnormalities that may contribute to the herniation.

Myelogram: This procedure involves injecting a dye into the spinal fluid followed by an X-ray or CT scan to show pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by multiple herniated discs or other spinal conditions.

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): These tests measure electrical activity in the muscles and nerves to assess the function of nerve roots affected by a disc herniation.

We recognize that every patient’s symptoms and medical background are distinct. Our physicians will therefore choose the most suitable tests and treatments tailored to your individual condition.

At Specialty Medical Center, we always aim to treat a herniated disc conservatively before considering surgical options. Our team of specialists offers a variety of non-surgical treatment options, including:

• Rest: Our team will help you understand the importance of rest and provide you with advice on how to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Medication: We can prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers, NSAIDs, narcotics for more severe pain, or nerve pain medications and muscle relaxers as needed.

• Physical Therapy: Our skilled physical therapists will work with you to develop a personalized exercise regimen designed to alleviate pain, enhance spinal muscle strength, and increase flexibility. They may also incorporate techniques such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to enhance your recovery.

• Epidural Steroid Injections: Our experienced physicians can administer these injections to help minimize inflammation and relieve pain.

If non-surgical treatments are not effective, our experienced surgeons can perform a range of surgical procedures, including:

• Microdiscectomy (Discectomy): Our surgeons are skilled in this minimally invasive procedure, which can help relieve pressure on the nerves.

• Laminectomy: We can perform this operation to create more space for the nerves or to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

• Spinal Fusion: Our surgeons can perform spinal fusion to join two or more vertebrae, stabilizing the spine and alleviating pain.

Our care for our patients doesn’t end after the treatment. We ensure that our patients understand the recovery process post-treatment or surgery. This may include wearing a brace, limiting activity, taking medication, and regular check-ups to monitor progress.

Remember, a herniated disc can be effectively treated with our conservative or surgical measures. However, some patients may experience chronic pain or other complications that require ongoing treatment. We’re dedicated to guiding you through each step of your recovery journey, from initial diagnosis to full rehabilitation. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options and start your journey toward a pain-free future. We serve clients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!