Herniated Disc Treatment in New Jersey

Lumbar herniated discs are one of the most common causes of lower back and leg pain, affecting approximately 1%-3% of the population annually. Herniated discs can also occur in other regions of the spine, triggering symptoms that range from shooting pain to weakness, tingling, and numbness.

When symptomatic, herniated discs can significantly impact mobility and quality of life –  but what exactly are they, why do they happen, and how are they diagnosed and treated? At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our fellowship-trained orthopedic spine specialist is available to answer all of your questions and personalize disc herniation treatment to your needs.

What Are Herniated Discs?

The human spine is made up of a column of 24 bones called vertebrae. Between the vertebrae are round, rubbery structures called intervertebral discs – or simply discs. Intervertebral discs cushion the spine, absorb shocks, and allow for flexibility of movement. They have a tough exterior known as the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like interior known as the nucleus pulposus.

When an intervertebral disc becomes damaged in such a way that the nucleus pulposus is significantly displaced – or even ruptures through the annulus fibrosus – this is known as disc herniation. Herniated discs extend beyond the vertebral margins, sometimes making direct contact with spinal nerves or leaking disc material into the spinal canal. They’re most common in the lumbar spine (the lower back), but can also occur in the cervical spine (neck) or rarely, the thoracic spine (upper back).

When symptomatic, herniated discs may cause debilitating pain, greatly restrict mobility, and lead to neurologic issues like weakness, tingling, and numbness in the extremities.

Causes Of Disc Herniations

Disc herniation can occur for a variety of different reasons. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, we frequently treat patients with the following underlying causes:

• Age-Related Degeneration – Many parts of the human body naturally begin to deteriorate with age, and the intervertebral discs are no exception. In fact, age-related degeneration is one of the most common causes of bulging or herniated discs. As discs lose hydration and elasticity, they become more vulnerable to bulging or tearing.
• Overuse – Repetitive movements like bending, lifting, or twisting can place ongoing stress on the spine that gradually weakens the outer layer of one or more intervertebral discs and increases the risk of herniation over time.
• Traumatic Injury – Though less common than age-related degeneration, a traumatic incident such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause a disc to herniate – particularly if the disc was already weakened or damaged.
• Genetics – Research suggests that genetics play a role in disc health. Individuals with a family history of degenerative disc disease may be more susceptible to disc herniation.
• Obesity – Excess body weight increases mechanical stress on the lower spine, which can accelerate disc degeneration and increase the risk of herniation over time.
• Smoking – Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to spinal tissues, which may impair disc nutrition and accelerate degenerative changes over time.

Treatment Options

Our orthopedic spine specialists always prioritize non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment options for herniated discs, only considering surgery if symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative care. Speak with our team to explore which treatment options may be most appropriate based on specific factors such as the location of your herniation, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Most patients with herniated discs improve without surgery. Non-surgical herniated disc treatment options include:

• Activity Modification – Finding an appropriate balance between rest and physical activity can help maintain spinal mobility without exacerbating pain and other symptoms. Closely following your specialist’s recommendations is essential.
• Physical Therapy – Physical therapy involves targeted exercises, stretches, hands-on techniques, and therapeutic modalities designed to improve strength and flexibility while relieving pressure on affected nerves.
• Pain Medication – Your specialist may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help reduce pain and inflammation in the spine.
• Steroid Injections – In some cases, epidural steroid injections may provide effective temporary relief from pain and inflammation associated with a disc herniation.

Surgical Treatment Options

Herniated disc surgery may be considered if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening despite non-surgical care. Surgical procedures to treat a herniated disc may include:

• Discectomy – A minimally invasive spine surgery that removes the herniated portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
• Laminotomy/Laminectomy – This procedure removes a small section of the vertebral bone (lamina) to increase space and reduce compression around the nerve root.
• Spinal Fusion – As the name implies, spinal fusion surgery permanently joins two or more vertebrae to increase spinal stability. This type of surgery is more common when significant deterioration is present and may be performed alongside other surgeries.
• Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery (ADR) – During artificial disc surgery, a damaged disc is replaced with an artificial one to relieve nerve compression while maintaining the mobility of the spine.