Herniated Disc OR
Degenerative Disc disease
Herniated Disc OR
Degenerative Disc disease
A herniated disk can cause pain and immobility, and the condition is quite common. Many people with a herniated disc may not even be aware that they have it. However, when this pain begins to interfere with quality of life, it is important to see a doctor to receive treatment. A severely herniated disc may require medical attention to restore function and relieve pain. Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California has decades of experience treating spinal issues and can provide the spinal care you need to get you back on your feet. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
A herniated disk can cause pain and immobility, and the condition is quite common. Many people with a herniated disc may not even be aware that they have it. However, when this pain begins to interfere with quality of life, it is important to see a doctor to receive treatment. A severely herniated disc may require medical attention to restore function and relieve pain. Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California has decades of experience treating spinal issues and can provide the spinal care you need to get you back on your feet. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Herniated Disc Q & A
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is an injury to one of the numerous spinal “cushions” that lay between your vertebrae. Damage to one of these discs can cause its inner, soft material to leak out, which can compress a nerve. The disc material is like “crabmeat” and causes both inflammation and pressure.
These protrusions can press against or irritate nearby nerves in your back, potentially causing a variety of issues.
What causes a herniated disc?
Many cases of herniated discs can emerge from age-related wear and tear. This damage is called disc degeneration and causes your discs to lose water content, making them more susceptible to injury or to cause pain.
In rare cases, traumatic injury, such as lifting a heavy object, can also cause a herniated disc. You might also put your back under more stress if you work a job that requires regular heavy lifting, or if you’re overweight or obese.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
While mild cases of herniated discs often present little to no symptoms, more severe cases might cause:
Limb pain
Herniated discs that are lower on your spine often cause pain in your thighs, calves, buttocks, and legs. If your herniated disc is higher on your spine, such as near your neck, you might feel pain in your shoulder or arm.
Numbness
Some people report numbness or tingling in the body parts that use the nerves affected by a herniated disc.
Weakness
The pressure placed on nerves in the back can also affect your ability to use the muscles that need these nerves to function, leading to weakness in that area.
Without treatment, the symptoms of a herniated disc can worsen and even lead to bladder and bowel dysfunction.
How is a herniated disc treated?
For many cases of herniated discs, Dr. Dennis recommends a conservative treatment approach to start. This can involve medications to reduce pain or relax muscles and allow you to engage in a physical exercise routine.
Dr. Dennis might also recommend physical therapy for moderate pain. Physical therapy can help you improve muscle strength and reduce overall symptoms of your disc.
If your herniated disc is particularly severe, you might require surgery for treatment. During a surgical procedure for a herniated disc, the fragment is removed and the nerve is freed from pressure.. If the entire disc is removed, you might also need a vertebrae fusion to provide stability in the region.
If you have long struggled with a herniated disc or other back issues, don’t let your pain keep you from the activities you love. Call the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, to schedule your consultation or book online.
Our Other Services
Back Pain
Back pain is the third most common reason people visit the doctor’s office, and it’s thought that nearly 80% of the world’s population will experience some form of back pain in their lives. Back pain is also one of the most common reasons for missed work, even though most cases of back pain are treatable or preventable. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis has decades of experience in diagnosing and treating back pain, mixing the latest state-of-the-art treatment options with tried-and-true knowledge. If you suffer from back pain, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Neck Pain
Neck pain comes in just after back pain as one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, with up to 70% of all adults expected to suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives. The prevalence of this pain also seems to be growing, making proper diagnosis and treatment all the more important. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis has extensive experiencing identifying the root cause of your neck pain and providing treatment that lasts. If you?re suffering from chronic neck pain, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Sciatica
It’s thought that up to 10% of back pain sufferers have sciatica, a condition caused when pressure or other conditions irritate the sciatic nerve. This pain can radiate along your hips and legs, disrupting your ability to move or even relax comfortably. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis offers fast, effective diagnosis and treatment for this common source of pain. If you think you suffer from sciatica, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book it online.
Our Services
Neck Pain
Neck pain comes in just after back pain as one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, with up to 70% of all adults…
Back Pain
Back pain is the third most common reason people visit the doctor’s office, and it’s thought that nearly 80% of the world’s population…
Herniated Disc
While a severely herniated disc can hinder While we often associate herniated discs with pain and immobility, the condition…
Sciatica
It’s thought that up to 10% of back pain sufferers have sciatica, a condition caused when pressure or other conditions irritate…
Steven C. Dennis, MD
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