Herniated Disc

Intervertebral or spinal discs are rubbery pads that act as shock absorbers and also provide flexibility to the spine. As we age, the discs are subject to wear and tear. A sudden stress on the spine - for example lifting a heavy object - can sometimes cause a piece of a disc to rupture or herniate into the spinal canal. Herniated discs cause symptoms when they press on a nerve root or the spinal cord.

Compression of a spinal nerve root by a herniated disc can cause radiculopathy, or nerve root compression causing pain, weakness, and sensory changes, usually in an arm or leg. The herniated disc fragment will often dissolve away over time, so a patient's symptoms may disappear after a few months. Because of this, many herniated discs do not need surgery.

Rarely, a herniated disc can cause severe spinal cord or nerve root compression, resulting in more than just pain: numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. In situations like this, surgery may be needed to decompress the spinal cord or nerves. The type of surgery needed depends on the nature and location of the herniation, along with the patient's symptoms, but many patients can be treated with a discectomy.

If you live near Denver and have a herniated disc, please consider meeting me in consultation to learn about treatment options.