Herniated Disc Relief

Disc Pain Care Near You in New Jersey

Spine problems can interfere with daily life, limiting movement and participation in everyday activities. A herniated disc is a common cause of back pain, often occurring in the lower back. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we offer non-surgical relief for neck, back, nerve, muscle, and joint pain, including pain caused by herniated discs. Learn more about this condition and the herniated disc treatment we offer at locations near you in New Jersey.

Key Takeaways

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of the spinal disc bulges out of the outer ring.
Symptoms of a herniated disc include localized pain, pain that radiates down the limbs, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Common causes of a herniated disc include age-related degeneration, improper lifting, trauma, and repetitive strain.
Kurdali Spine & Pain offers non-surgical treatments for back, neck, and nerve pain at multiple locations in New Jersey.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

The spine is made up of many different parts. The vertebrae are the bones that form the spinal canal. In between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs, which are rubbery cushions that absorb shock. Each disc has a soft, gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus, surrounded by a flexible outer ring called the annulus fibrosus.

A herniated disc, also called a bulging or slipped disc, occurs when some of the gel-like center of the nucleus pulposus pushes out through a tear in the annulus fibrosus. Although herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, they most often occur in the lower back, or lumbar spine. Often, a herniated disc causes no symptoms. However, when the disc presses on surrounding nerve structures, it can lead to symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc can be mild or severe. When it’s mild, symptoms may not be noticeable, or they may be manageable. When it’s severe, it can lead to symptoms that interfere with daily activities. Some symptoms that occur with herniated discs include:

A herniated disc can cause either localized pain in the back or radiating nerve pain. Localized pain is confined to the area of the injured disc, often in the lower back or neck, and is often deep or aching. Nerve pain, also called radiculopathy, occurs when the extruded material presses on surrounding nerves. It can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness that travels down the path of the nerve, typically down the leg.

What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of a Herniated Disc?

Herniated discs are a common spine injury, with many potential causes, and they can occur in people of all ages. However, there are risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing one, including being obese, smoking, living a sedentary lifestyle, and working a physically demanding job. Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get a herniated disc. Some of the main causes of a herniated disc include:

Acute lifting injury: Often, a herniated disc occurs from improper lifting. When an individual uses their back muscles to lift something heavy, rather than their legs, it places severe pressure on the lumbar spine. This can cause the gel-like center of the disc to leak out, causing a herniated disc.
Age-related degeneration: As individuals age, their spinal discs lose water content and become less flexible. This also makes them more susceptible to tearing under minor stress, such as bending down or twisting.
Repetitive strain: People who participate in sports or work jobs that require frequent bending, twisting, or lifting can experience discs that weaken over time. This weakening of the disc's outer layer can make them prone to bulging out.
Traumatic injury: Experiencing a sudden fall, car accident, or strain on the back can lead to a herniated disc.

If an individual experiences pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in their back after lifting something heavy, a traumatic injury, or a similar event, they should see a doctor to get evaluated for a herniated disc.

When to Seek Care for a Herniated Disc

Many patients with herniated discs have no symptoms or mild ones that can be treated with at-home care. However, there are certain red flags that can signal a need for medical care. They include:

If your pain is interfering with your daily life, it’s best to seek medical attention to get a diagnosis and explore available treatment options.

How Are Herniated Discs Diagnosed?

When a patient suspects a herniated disc and comes to Kurdali Spine & Pain, they will undergo a thorough, same-day diagnostic process. Dr. Basil Kurdali, a board-certified pain management specialist, starts with a comprehensive examination. He assesses the spine and the patient’s range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. He will also ask the patient about their symptoms and if any numbness or weakness is present.

Dr. Kurdali may also use the straight leg raise (SLR) test. He asks the patient to lift their straight leg while lying on their back. If it causes pain from the back to the leg, it often signals a herniated disc. To confirm the diagnosis, imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to visualize the soft tissues and nerves.

What Are the Treatment Options for Herniated Discs?

Herniated discs often resolve with non-surgical, conservative treatments. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we focus on non-invasive treatments to help patients get relief without needing surgery. Available herniated disc treatment options include:

Conservative Care

At-home, conservative care is often the first treatment method used for herniated discs. It may involve modifying activities, such as avoiding heavy lifting and positions that worsen pain, resting, or using hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and relax muscles.

Medication

To relieve pain caused by a herniated disc, Dr. Kurdali will often recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking these medications helps reduce pain and swelling. If OTC medications aren’t enough, Dr. Kurdali may prescribe muscle relaxers or nerve pain medications.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is commonly used to help strengthen the back muscles and reduce pressure put on the nerves. Using targeted exercises, posture training, and manual therapy, physical therapy helps patients get pain relief without surgery. It also gives patients insight into better body mechanics and strategies for bending, twisting, and lifting without risking a back injury.

Epidural Steroid Injections

When a herniated disc causes severe pain, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) may be used. They are a non-surgical treatment option that helps reduce nerve inflammation and provide pain relief. Dr. Kurdali uses X-ray guidance to visualize the epidural space and then injects a corticosteroid and numbing agent into it. The pain relief that occurs afterward often lasts for a few months and helps the body heal itself over time.

Surgical Considerations

Most herniated discs heal without needing surgery. However, for patients whose symptoms last for over six weeks or who have worsening neurological symptoms, surgery may be considered. Although Kurdali Spine & Pain focuses on non-surgical treatments, Dr. Kurdali has a trusted network of surgeons and specialists that he can refer patients to when necessary.

What to Expect with Herniated Disc Recovery

When you’re dealing with a herniated disc, you may be wondering about the recovery timeline and when you can safely return to your daily activities. These timelines depend on a variety of factors, including:

Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain within a few months. However, healing is non-linear, and flare-ups of pain may occur. Physical therapy may continue to be used to strengthen the back and core muscles and improve the range of motion. Dr. Kurdali may also advise the patient on making lifestyle changes to prevent re-injury, including adjusting posture, using proper lifting techniques, and exercising regularly.

Why Choose Kurdali Spine & Pain?

Kurdali Spine & Pain is led by Dr. Basil Kurdali, a board-certified pain management specialist. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and completed a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he earned the ‘Most Outstanding Fellow’ award. Dr. Kurdali’s extensive training and experience enable him to provide high-quality diagnoses and minimally invasive treatments for his patients.

At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we emphasize same-day diagnoses and treatments to help patients feel better as soon as possible. When patients choose Kurdali Spine & Pain, they don’t have to wait weeks for a diagnosis or months for treatment.

We provide treatments on the same day whenever possible. Dr. Kurdali may order imaging scans, get the patient into physical therapy, prescribe medications, or even give injections.

We also offer telehealth services for added convenience. We accept various forms of insurance and will work with patients to help them understand their coverage and benefits.

Get Herniated Disc Treatment Near You in New Jersey

If you’re dealing with a symptomatic herniated disc, turn to Kurdali Spine & Pain for help. We provide non-surgical, same-day treatment for herniated discs, as well as other back, neck, nerve, muscle, and joint problems. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey, contact us today.

Herniated Disc FAQ

What symptoms suggest a herniated disc vs. a muscle strain?

Typically, a herniated disc causes sharp, radiating pain with symptoms like numbness or tingling in the limbs. It may intensify with sitting or bending. Meanwhile, a muscle strain features aching, localized pain that often worsens with movement but improves with rest.

Can a herniated disc heal on its own, and how long might it take?

Yes, a herniated disc can heal on its own with conservative care. Most patients see symptom improvement within four to six weeks, though full recovery can take up to six months or longer.

When is an MRI needed for a suspected herniated disc?

An MRI is generally needed for a suspected herniated disc when conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication don’t improve symptoms within six to eight weeks. It may also be used if certain neurological symptoms exist, such as weakness in the legs, numbness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction.

What treatments are typically tried before surgery is considered for a herniated disc?

Several non-invasive and conservative treatments will be tried before surgery is considered. They include options like medications, activity modifications, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections.