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
Herniated Disc: Symptoms
You experience the symptoms of a herniated disc when the inner nucleus bulges out and compresses the surrounding nerve roots. That’s why the symptoms of a herniated disc are the same as the symptoms of cervical, thoracic, or lumbar radiculopathy. Mild nerve compression may only cause mild discomfort, but severe nerve compression can lead to the loss of sensation and mobility, sharp pain, numbness and tingling sensation, and more.
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.
Herniated Disc: Causes
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.
Disc herniation may occur because of age-related wear and tear, acute spinal injuries, trauma, and the natural loss of water from the spinal discs, leading to inflexibility, thinning, and weakness. The risk of a herniated disc may increase because of incorrect posture, repetitive lifting and twisting motions, obesity, tobacco usage, lack of regular exercise, and excessive force to the spine, usually because of falling or collisions.
Herniated Disc: Treatments
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
Herniated Disc Surgery Success Story
Danielle's Story
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.