Herniated Disc

Herniated discs frequently press on spinal nerves, causing radiating back and neck pain. Highly skilled neurosurgeons Amanda Carpenter, MD, and Duncan Carpenter, MD, at North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates in Ridgewood, New Jersey, have extensive experience helping patients with severe disc herniations. They use advanced treatments like discectomy and fusion to restore spinal function and relieve pain. Call North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates today to request help with your herniated disc or book an appointment online.

What is a herniated disc?

Disc herniation happens when one or more of the soft, cushion-like discs between the vertebrae (bones in your spine) suffers damage. 

The spinal discs act like shock absorbers. When the disc’s outer layer tears or weakens, the soft center can push out. This is called a herniation, or sometimes a ruptured disc. Discs can also bulge before they herniate, causing similar symptoms.

What causes a herniated disc?

Herniated discs often happen due to aging, wear-and-tear, or sudden movements. Lifting something heavy the wrong way, twisting your back, or falling can cause a disc to herniate. 

Some people are more likely to get herniated discs due to their genetics or repetitive stress from certain jobs and activities.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms depend on where the herniated disc is and whether it presses on nearby nerves. In the neck, it may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder or arm. In the lower back, it can cause pain that travels down the leg — this is called sciatica. 

If there’s nerve damage or compression (radiculopathy), you might also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

Your North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates neurosurgeon will talk with you about your symptoms and do a physical exam to help them make a diagnosis. 

Imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan show the location and severity of the herniation. These procedures also help rule out other conditions.

What treatments help with herniated discs?

Most herniated discs get better with nonsurgical treatments. These include:

• Rest and gentle exercise
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Steroid injections

North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates may recommend surgery if your symptoms don’t improve after several weeks, you have severe pain, or you have nerve problems.

The most common surgery for a herniated disc is a discectomy. In this procedure, your surgeon removes the part of the disc that’s pressing on the nerve. They usually use minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques requiring only a small incision and a short hospital stay, and excel at robotic-assisted surgery. 

Where necessary for spinal stability, your surgeon may also perform spinal fusion. This involves using a graft or implant that fuses the vertebrae on either side of the space left by the discectomy.

North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates helps you understand your herniated disc and choose the best path forward, whether it’s therapy, medication, or surgery. Call the office today or use the online booking feature to request an appointment.