A herniated disc—also known as a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in its outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This can put pressure on nearby spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness—most commonly in the neck, lower back, arms, or legs.
Herniated discs are a common cause of radiculopathy (nerve root irritation), especially in the cervical and lumbar spine.
Common Causes of Herniated Discs
Age-related disc degeneration (disc loses hydration and flexibility)
Repetitive stress or poor lifting mechanics
Sudden injury or trauma (e.g., car accident or fall)
Excessive sitting or poor posture
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Genetic predisposition to disc degeneration
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Symptoms depend on the disc’s location and the nerve affected:
Cervical Spine (Neck)
Neck pain that may radiate to the shoulder, arm, or hand
Tingling or numbness in the fingers
Weakness in the upper limbs
Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)
Low back pain with radiation down the leg (sciatica)
Sharp, shooting pain in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
Oral corticosteroids for short-term inflammation control
Muscle relaxants to reduce spasms
Neuropathic agents like gabapentin for nerve pain
Physical Therapy
Core stabilization, stretching, and posture correction
McKenzie exercises and nerve glides for disc-related nerve symptoms
Activity Modification
Avoiding activities that aggravate pain
Ergonomic improvements for work and home
Home Remedies
Heat and ice therapy
Brief rest followed by gradual movement
Interventional Pain Management Options
When conservative treatments aren’t enough, image-guided interventional procedures can reduce inflammation, relieve nerve compression, and delay or eliminate the need for surgery:
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
Delivers corticosteroids to the epidural space to reduce nerve root inflammation
Can be done interlaminar, transforaminal, or caudal, depending on disc location
Selective Nerve Root Block
Pinpoints and treats inflammation in a specific compressed nerve root
Both diagnostic and therapeutic
Facet Joint or Medial Branch Blocks
If facet joint pain coexists with disc issues, these injections may provide additional relief
Endoscopic Discectomy
Minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material with minimal tissue damage
Percutaneous Disc Decompression or Nucleoplasty
Needle-based treatment to remove a portion of the disc nucleus and reduce pressure on nerves
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Considered for chronic pain that persists after other treatments or surgery
When to Seek Help
Consult a spine or pain specialist if you have:
Radiating arm or leg pain lasting more than a few weeks
Numbness or weakness
Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek emergency care)
Symptoms that worsen despite rest and medication
Personalized Treatment for Herniated Discs
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we specialize in the non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment of herniated discs. Whether you're dealing with neck pain, sciatica, or back stiffness, we offer customized, image-guided therapies to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you return to an active lifestyle.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward long-lasting relief from disc-related pain.