Herniated Disc Treatment on Long Island
Treatment for Herniated Disc in Suffolk County
Dr. Palumbo is a board certified Neurosurgeon, and has advanced expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of herniated discs and other complex spinal disorders. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the spinal area and are looking for lasting relief, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about what Dr. Palumbo can do for you and how you can get the support you need to get back to living a happy, healthy life.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition that refers to the soft disc between the vertebrae pushing out through the exterior layer. Sometimes, the disc is not the problem causing the pain, but rather the material herniating through the exterior is irritating a nearby nerve. This pain is called radicular pain and can pass through to the lower back and the leg causing sciatica. When the actual disc is the source of pain, it’s called axial pain. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine and typically indicate degeneration.
Herniated Disc Causes
Disc herniation is often the result of the gradual, aging-related wear and tear referred to as disc degeneration. As we age, the ligaments that hold these discs in place tend to weaken. When this happens, it’s likely for our discs to become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. A herniated disc can be caused by even the most seemingly insignificant strains or injuries. If even a minor incident has you feeling excessive pain in the neck, back, arms, or legs, be sure to reach out to professional help to ensure it can be addressed. We find that most patients are unable to pinpoint the exact cause of their pain or discomfort. Below are some common causes of herniated discs:
- Improperly lifting heavy objects can lead to a herniated disk, as can twisting and turning while lifting.
- Though rare, a traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the back can cause a herniated disc.
- Genetics can play a significant role, as some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disc.
- Obesity or excess body weight can cause herniated disks by adding extra stress to the discs in your lower back.
- Smoking is also thought to contribute to herniated discs, as it lessens the oxygen supply to the discs, which causes them to break down more easily.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Though sometimes we find that patients with herniated discs show little to no symptoms, there are some tell-tale signs that your pain may be associated with this condition. Herniated discs typically occur in the lower back. However, they can be present in the neck as well. The different signs and symptoms will depend on where the affected disc is positioned, so be on the lookout for the following:
- Unexplained muscle weakness
- Tingling, burning, or aching in the affected area
- Pain that worsens at night
- Pain that extends to your arms or legs
- Pain when walking, standing, or sitting
- Numbness and discomfort on one side of the body
- Severe discomfort in the buttocks, thigh, or calf
- Intense pain when sneezing or coughing
- Inability to comfortably lift or hold items
- Feelings of a nerve in the lower back being “pinched”
- Bladder or bowel disfunction
- Discomfort in the inner thighs, back of the legs, and around the rectum
Herniated Disc Treatment Options
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, please give Dr. Palumbo’s Suffolk County clinic a call right away to know the treatment options . A herniated disc can become debilitating over time, and we want to ensure you receive prompt and efficient treatment for the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. Some of the treatments Dr. Palumbo will offer to patients dealing with herniated discs include the following:
Stretches and other helpful exercises can help to improve pain associated with herniated discs significantly.
Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help to decrease inflammation and minimize pain.
If oral medication isn’t enough to rid you of pain, a corticosteroid can be injected into the area around the spinal nerves to help with the pain.
If your herniated disc is causing muscle spasms, muscle relaxers may be a viable solution.
When to Think About Herniated Disk Surgery
Though many people who experience a herniated disc will not require surgery, it may be necessary when severe pain persists, and other treatment options aren’t working. If you have exhausted all other solutions, and nothing seems to be improving your pain, Dr. Palumbo may encourage you to think about undergoing surgery. No matter the extent of surgery necessary, you can trust that Dr. Salvatore Palumbo possesses the skill and expertise to rectify the situation once and for all.
Contact Salvatore Palumbo MD PC Today!
You don’t have to live another day with debilitating pain. Call Salvatore Palumbo MD PC today to schedule a consultation. A herniated disc can become severe, and our team wants to make sure we can address the situation before things like surgery become necessary. We look forward to giving you the support and treatment you need to live life more comfortably.