What exactly is a herniated disc?

The spinal disc is a soft cushion that sits between each vertebra of the spine. Discs function like coiled springs.  When a disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary. This is called a herniated disc. When a disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, it constricts the spinal nerves that are located very close to the disc. Therefore, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become compressed. When you have a symptomatic herniated disc, it is the not the disc itself that is painful, but the pain caused by the disc compressing the nerve that causes you to feel pain. A herniated disc is also often referred to as a slipped disc.

Symptoms

Herniated discs can occur at any level, but are most often found in the lumbar spine. They commonly inflame or press against a nearby nerve and cause pain to radiate along the length of the nerve. Symptoms of herniated discs can include:

  • For lumbar herniated discs: sharp, shearing, electric, piecing or radicular pain that radiates down the back of the leg
    • Drop foot: difficulty lifting the foot when standing or walking on the ball of the foot
  • For cervical herniated discs: pain in the neck, especially in the back and sides
    • Shoulder and arm pain: near or over the shoulder blade on the affected side that can shoot down the arm
  • Tingling, numbness, pins-and-needles, and weakness in the extremities

Can it be treated?

Yes! The Bonati Spine Procedures can provide immediate relief with our patented herniated disc treatments. The outpatient Bonati Spine Procedures are the best alternative to open back surgeries that often result in long recovery times. Patients are awake and walking shortly after surgery. No hospital stay is necessary.

Get Help!

If what you’ve read about describes what you are feeling, allow our physicians and staff to review your case and verify if the Bonati Spine Institute can help you. Click here to complete our online contact form and one of our Bonati patient advocates will contact you directly, or call us at 855-267-0482.