You Don't Have to Live With The Pain of a Herniated Disc

About 2.8 million Americans suffer from herniated discs each year. Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, it’s one of the most common types of spinal injury in the country — and it can be a significant source of pain.

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear or crack in the outer layer. While most common in the lower back, a herniated disc can also occur in your neck.

Herniated discs often lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. And unfortunately, symptoms get progressively worse without the proper care.

As a leading spine specialist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, David A. Wiles, MD, can help. He has performed more than 15,000 minimally invasive spine procedures, and he works with patients in Chattanooga, Bristol, Kingston, and Johnson City to find the best back pain treatment for their unique needs.

Here’s what you need to know if you live with herniated disc pain.

Conservative treatment for herniated disc pain

If you have back pain, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a specialist before starting any treatment.

Dr. Wiles and our team do a physical exam, ask questions about your symptoms, and review your medical history. We also take X-rays or other medical images, if needed, to confirm your diagnosis.

The first line of treatment for a herniated disc is typically conservative therapy. Dr. Wiles often starts by recommending activity modification and rest to reduce inflammation and pain.

He may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants to reduce your more bothersome symptoms. After a period of rest, he may start you on physical therapy to improve your flexibility, strength, and range of motion.

If these methods aren’t effective in relieving your symptoms, Dr. Wiles may recommend more advanced treatment. One such option is epidural steroid injection, which involves injecting strong medication into the area around your herniated disc to reduce inflammation and pain.

Minimally invasive surgery for herniated disc pain

Many people find that non-surgical treatment effectively relieves their herniated disc pain. However, it doesn’t work for everyone. If you have persistent pain or a more severe injury, it might be time to consider minimally invasive spine surgery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including less pain, less scarring, and a faster recovery. Even so, it’s still surgery, so it’s critical to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Dr. Wiles has extensive experience in the latest minimally invasive techniques. Depending on your individual needs, he may recommend spinal decompression via microdiscectomy or an endoscopic discectomy.

Decompression involves removing part or all of the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the nerves in your spine and reduce pain.

Both microdiscectomy and endoscopic discectomy need very small incisions, and offer faster recovery times than traditional methods. Some minimally invasive procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home to recover shortly after your surgery.

No matter your symptoms, Dr. Wiles and our team are here for you. The best treatment option for your herniated disc depends on your overall health and condition, and we’re ready to help you find relief from your pain.

Call our office at 423-459-9800 or request a consultation online to get started today.