Herniated Disc Pain Relief and Treatment in San Leandro

Healthy spinal discs fit perfectly between the vertebrae, protecting the spinal cord and spine structure. Each disc is a spongy cushion with a tough outer shell and soft interior with a jelly-like substance. If the outer shell is damaged, the soft interior can push outward, impacting the nerves and tissue around it. This condition is called a slipped or herniated disc, which can result in neck or back pain. At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, we offer herniated disc pain relief and treatment in San Leandro, CA.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Most herniated discs do not happen suddenly. While a disc can be ruptured from impact, twisting or strain on the spine, this is not usually the case. Vertebral discs are very flexible and able to withstand pressure when they are healthy. It is when they are unhealthy that herniated discs occur. Unhealthy spinal discs can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, wear/tear, smoking, obesity and degenerative disease.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

You can have a herniated disc without symptoms. It all depends on whether the tear or rupture allows the jelly-like interior to leak outside the exterior or if nerves are affected. For those with symptomatic ruptured discs, the symptoms usually affect nerves on one side of the body. Radiating pain and symptoms into either one shoulder and arm or buttock and leg is common. The upper extremities are affected by herniated cervical discs while lower extremity symptoms are due to a lumbar herniated disc.

Herniated Disc Treatment

The first goal in herniated disc pain treatment is relieving the pressure on the nerves. This can eliminate tingling, pain, numbness and weakness that may be radiating into the arm or leg. Pain management techniques can include injection therapy, medication management and physical therapy. Surgery is only recommended when non-invasive pain management methods are ineffective.

If you have herniated disc pain and radiating symptoms, contact our team at Allied Pain & Spine Institute. Call our medical center in San Leandro, CA, to schedule a ruptured disc consultation.