A herniated disc is a condition wherein the intervertebral discs tear, rupture, or collapse, and the gel-like center of the disc pushes out into the spinal canal, where it may compress or irritate the spinal nerve roots. This condition is often accompanied by the symptoms of radiculopathy, i.e., nerve compression, and it can affect any part of the spine, including the lower back, neck, or upper back. The symptoms depend on the location of the herniated disc. Dr. George Kakoulides can help determine if herniated disc surgery on Long Island is an option.
Fix Mild to Severe Disc Herniation
What Are The Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a disc pushes through its tough outer ring. This “bulge” can press on nearby nerves, causing pain and other symptoms. The specific symptoms you feel simply depend on which nerve is compressed.
Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:
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Sharp, shooting pain that can radiate down an arm or leg
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Numbness or a loss of feeling
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A tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
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Muscle weakness in the affected area
Symptom severity varies:
Mild nerve compression may cause only minor discomfort, while severe compression can lead to significant pain, muscle weakness, and even a loss of mobility.
Symptoms of Cervical Disc Herniation:
- Mild to severe pain in the neck and shoulders
- Pain that originates in the neck and travels to the shoulders, arms, and hands
- Pain that worsens and aggravates with movements
- Numbness and tingling sensations on the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Inability or difficulty lifting your arms above your head
Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Herniation:
- Mild to severe pain in the lower back and legs
- Muscle spasms in the legs and lower extremities
- Sciatica pain that starts from the buttocks and extends down one or both legs
- Burning, numbness, and tingling sensations on the lower back and legs
- Loss of muscular strength and functionality
For more information to see if you’re a fit for herniated disc surgery on Long Island contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
What Can Cause A Herniated Disc?
The spine consists of numerous vertebrae separated by spongy intervertebral discs that prevent the bones from grinding or rubbing against each other. As such, the intervertebral discs basically act as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to move and twist without friction. Each intervertebral disc is made of a strong outer shell (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). When the nucleus bulges out of the outer shell, you have a herniated disc.
Disc herniation occurs when the annulus fibrosus develops tears and cracks because of underlying medical conditions or age-related wear and tear. When the strong fibers of the spinal discs tear, the underlying nucleus may push outwards and into the limited space of the spinal canal. Over time, the nucleus may exert pressure on the spinal cord, leading to the compression or inflammation of spinal nerves, leading to the symptoms of radiculopathy.
Basically, anything that puts excessive stress on the spine or weakens the discs over time can lead to a herniated disc. Here are the primary causes:
- Age-Related Wear and Tear: Discs naturally dry out and become less flexible with age.
- Disc Dehydration: The gradual loss of water content makes discs thinner and weaker.
- Sudden Injury or Trauma: An acute injury from a fall, collision, or accident can cause a disc to herniate.
Reduce the risk of developing a herniated disc by checking these common risk factors:
- Physical Strain: Work or activities involving heavy lifting, repetitive twisting, or incorrect posture.
- Excessive Body Weight: Increased weight adds stress on the spine.
- A Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise weakens the core muscles that support the spine.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking can reduce disc flexibility by limiting their blood supply.
- Sudden Impact: A high-force event, such as a fall or car collision.
What Treatments Can Repair A Herniated Disc?
Dr. Kakoulides aims to treat disc herniation without resorting to herniated disc surgery on Long Island. He performs a thorough evaluation and diagnosis to identify the root cause of your herniated disc, following which he curates a personalized treatment plan. His treatments usually start with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and epidural injections, following which he may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery. He only recommends a disc replacement surgery if all other solutions fail to yield the desired results.
The following are the possible herniated disc treatments:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications
- Epidural Corticosteroid Injections
- Physical Therapy
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion
- Cervical Disc Replacement (Mobi-C)
- Disc Replacement Surgery
- Microdiscectomy
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Daniella's Success Story After Her Herniated Disc Surgery
Danielle's Story
5 Ways To Prevent A Herniated Disc
Strengthen Your Core Muscles
A strong core is your spine’s best defense. Your abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles work together to stabilize your spine and absorb everyday strain. When these muscles are weak, the pressure shifts to your intervertebral discs, increasing the risk of herniation. Incorporate core-strengthening exercises such as planks, bridges, and bird dogs into your routine. These build endurance, improve posture, and create a natural brace around your spine.
Avoid Sitting for Long Periods
Sitting for extended periods places continuous pressure on your lumbar discs, which can accelerate wear and tear. If you work at a desk, stand up, stretch, and walk every 30 to 60 minutes to promote blood circulation and relieve spinal tension. Use a chair with strong lumbar support, keep your feet flat on the floor, and align your shoulders over your hips. These small adjustments can reduce disc stress and improve spinal health over time.
Practice Proper Lifting Techniques
Everyday movements like bending, lifting, and twisting can strain your back if performed incorrectly. To prevent disc injury, always bend at your knees instead of your waist, keeping your back straight and your core engaged. Hold heavy objects close to your body and avoid sudden jerking motions. If an item feels too heavy, ask for help or use a dolly. Proper lifting mechanics protect your discs and muscles from unnecessary strain and long-term damage.
Maintain a Healthy Weight and Stay Active
Excess body weight increases the pressure on your discs, particularly in the lower back. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise reduces stress on your spine and enhances flexibility. Low-impact activities, such as swimming, yoga, and walking, improve blood flow and strengthen the supporting muscles around your spine. Staying active also helps preserve your discs’ hydration and elasticity to prevent wear and tear.
Quit Smoking and Improve Spinal Circulation
Smoking reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, depriving them of oxygen and essential nutrients. Over time, this accelerates disc degeneration and increases your risk of herniation. Quitting smoking can restore circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healthier spinal tissues. Even if you’ve smoked for years, your body begins to heal once nicotine is eliminated. Improved blood flow helps maintain disc strength, flexibility, and overall spinal stability.
Herniated Discs FAQs
Will insurance cover herniated disc surgery?
Yes, most insurance plans typically cover herniated disc surgery when it’s deemed medically necessary. However, coverage depends on your provider, policy type, and whether conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, have been attempted.
Before your surgery, your care team will help coordinate pre-authorization and provide documentation to support medical necessity. It’s best to confirm your benefits with your insurance carrier to understand your deductible, copay, and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Are there non-surgical options to repair a herniated disc?
Absolutely. Many herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatments aimed at relieving pressure and inflammation around the affected nerve, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and activity modification.
In some cases, minimally invasive image-guided procedures may be recommended before considering surgery. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and allow your body to naturally reabsorb or heal the herniated portion of the disc over time.
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
Yes. In fact, many herniated discs can heal naturally. With proper rest, medication, and targeted rehabilitation, most patients experience significant improvement within four to six weeks. The body gradually reabsorbs the disc material, relieving pressure on the nerve.
Maintaining gentle activity, avoiding heavy lifting, and following a structured recovery plan can accelerate healing and prevent recurrence. However, severe cases with persistent pain or neurological symptoms may require medical intervention.
How long does it take to recover from herniated disc surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and individual healing rates. Many patients return to light activities within two to four weeks after minimally invasive surgery, while full recovery may take several months.
Physical therapy plays an essential role in helping you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidelines for returning to work, exercise, and daily activities to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Contact Dr. George Kakoulides
Dr. George Kakoulides is a board-certified neurosurgeon with specialized training in the latest, safest, minimally invasive treatments for spinal and cranial disorders. He is an extremely friendly spine specialist, and he always curates personalized treatment plans to address the root cause of your herniated disc, ensuring safe and long-lasting results. Please schedule an appointment to explore your disc herniation diagnosis and treatment options in New York.