Herniated Disc Treatment in San Antonio
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and irritates nearby nerves. This condition can develop in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back) and may cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Many patients experience symptoms when the herniated disc places pressure on a spinal nerve. At MD Spine Care in San Antonio, our specialists evaluate the underlying cause of disc herniation and help patients understand appropriate treatment options.
Herniated Disc Explained by Dr. Kuwamura
Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the location of the affected disc and whether a nerve is compressed.
Common symptoms may include:
- Back or neck pain
- Pain radiating into the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens with certain movements or prolonged sitting
When a lumbar disc herniation compresses the sciatic nerve, it may cause sciatica, which produces pain that travels down the leg.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
Spinal discs act as cushions between the bones of the spine. Over time, these discs can weaken or become damaged, allowing the inner material to protrude through the outer layer.
Common causes of herniated discs include:
Degenerative Disc Changes
Age-related changes can weaken spinal discs and make them more prone to herniation.
Repetitive Strain
Repeated bending, lifting, or twisting movements may increase pressure on spinal discs.
Traumatic Injury
Sudden trauma such as a fall or auto accident can cause a disc to rupture or bulge.
Improper Lifting Mechanics
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly may place excessive pressure on the lower spine.
How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a herniated disc begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. A spine specialist may assess nerve function, muscle strength, and mobility.
Imaging tests such as
MRI or CT scans may be recommended to visualize the spinal discs and determine whether a disc is compressing nearby nerves.
Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc:
Many herniated discs improve with conservative treatment.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy to improve mobility and strengthen supporting muscles
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Activity modification
- Image-guided injections to reduce nerve inflammation
When symptoms persist or neurological deficits worsen, surgical procedures may be considered to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and stabilize the spine.
When to See a Spine Specialist
You should consider evaluation by a spine specialist at MD Spine Care if you experience:
- Persistent back or neck pain lasting more than several weeks
- Progressive numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
- Symptoms that continue to worsen despite conservative care
Early evaluation can help determine the underlying cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
Schedule a Sciatica Evaluation in San Antonio
Schedule a consultation with MD Spine Care in San Antonio to learn more about your spine care options.
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
In many cases, symptoms improve with conservative treatment as inflammation around the affected nerve decreases.
What is the most common cause of a herniated disc?
Age-related degeneration of spinal discs is one of the most common causes of disc herniation.
Is a herniated disc the same as a bulging disc?
A bulging disc occurs when the disc extends outward but remains intact, while a herniated disc occurs when the inner material protrudes through the outer layer.
This information is reviewed by
Dr. Frank Kuwamura, Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, and the spine specialists at MD Spine Care.
