Herniated Disc

To learn more about this condition, view our spine animations.

A herniated disc occurs when a portion of the vertebral disc ruptures. This ruptured portion may push on nerves in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar areas.

This pressure on the nerves can often lead to numbness and pain. Smaller herniations are sometimes called protrusions.

Symptoms

Cervical

• Neck Pain
• Discomfort in one or both arms
• Shooting pains in one or both arms
• Weakness or numbness in one or both arms
• Burning arm pain - link to cervical
• Cervical Radiculopathy

Lumbar

• Discomfort in leg, ankle, or foot
• Shooting pain, weakness or numbness in leg
• Leg pain is usually worse when sitting
• Low Back Pain (Overview)

Causes

Cervical

• Degeneration due to normal aging process
• Trauma
• Episode of heavy lifting

Lumbar

• Degeneration due to normal aging process
• Trauma
• Episode of heavy lifting
• Sudden twisting

Possible Treatment Options

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

On occasion, a cervical disc herniation can be approached from a minimally invasive spine approach in which specialized cameras and very small tools including biters and graspers are used to access the spine and focally remove small pieces of disc which may be pressuring onto the spinal cord and/or nerves. The disc is then left unfused with the potential for increased mobility after the surgery versus a fusion. On occasion, the laser and heat probe are also used to further heal and seal the disc.

Cervical minimally invasive spine surgery is very complex and has a more limited potential than lumbar cervical surgery and has fewer candidates which are excellent candidates for the procedure.

Please do not hesitate to ask upon your appointment if you are a candidate for this type of surgery.

Non Operative Treatment

Medications and non operative treatments (physical therapy) are sometimes needed. Occasionally epidural injections are indicated for pain relief. Surgery can be considered for those who do not improve.

• Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)
• Back and Neck Braces
• Pain Medications
• Spinal Rehabilitation

Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion Instrumented

The ruptured disc is removed. It is then replaced by a bone graft. An anterior cervical plate is implanted for stability.

Posterior Cervical Laminotomy

The spinous process and lamina are removed to decrease pressure on the spinal cord. Instrumentation may be used to increase post-operative stability.

Cervical Laminectomy

Herniated Discs Lumbar Treatment Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

A lumbar disc herniation may on occasion be approached from a minimally invasive standpoint, in which case small cameras and tools, including biters and graspers are placed within the disc and under direct visualization offending disc material which is pressuring the spinal nerves and/or spinal cord can be directly removed.

This surgery has become popularized over the last 5-7 years, first in Europe and in Asia, and now more recently into the United States. At the Center for Spinal Disorders, we remain at the forefront of this technique and are committed towards its advancement.

Please do not hesitate to ask us at the Center for Spinal Disorders upon your visit if you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure.

Lumbar Partial Discectomy

Removal of herniated portion of the disc relieves the pressure on the painful nerve.

Laminotomy and Discectomy