Herniated Disc Treatment in Louisville, KY

A herniated disc is a common spine condition that affects one of the soft, gel-filled cushions that separate the vertebrae. Normally, the discs absorb shock and help the spine bend, flex, and extend. Through sudden trauma or gradual wear and tear, a disc can tear open (herniate), allowing some of its inner gel to seep into the spinal canal. Even so, a herniated disc may not cause pain or require treatment unless some of the escaped fluid presses on a sensitive nerve root.

In addition to neck or back pain, an irritated or compressed spinal nerve can cause numbness, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness. If you have herniated disc symptoms, you can consult with a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine specialist at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic. When you visit our location in Louisville, Kentucky, we will perform a physical examination and order imaging studies to determine whether your discomfort can be traced to a herniated disc or another spine condition. Then, we can suggest an appropriate treatment plan to help you feel better.

Will You Need Surgery?

Although herniated disc treatment can vary based on the severity of the symptoms, most patients do not elect surgical treatment. In many cases, the discomfort improves with a few weeks of rest and conservative therapy, such as:

• Postural improvement
• A heating pad or ice pack applied to the painful area of the neck or back
• Targeted stretches and low-impact exercises
• Over-the-counter pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Prescription-strength medications, such as muscle relaxants and epidural steroid injections

Because herniated disc symptoms often respond well to nonsurgical treatment, we usually advise our patients to give their treatment regimen sufficient time to work (sometimes up to several months) before considering surgery.

If you’d like to meet with a spine specialist at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our location in Louisville, KY.