Overview

The vertebrae which consist of 33 bones form the spine or vertebral column. It extends from the skull to the coccyx and is divided into regions; Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacrococcygeal. The bones (vertebrae) in our spine are cushioned by rubbery discs that sit between them. These discs have a soft jelly-like structure called a nucleus protected by a tough outer layer.
A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc tears or ruptures and the jelly-like core squeezes out of the annulus. The ruptured disc presses spinal nerves causing severe pain, numbness, and weakness. Depending on where the herniated disc is, it can cause pain in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar region.

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    Symptoms

    Symptoms of disc herniation vary greatly, depending on the size and location of the herniated disc. It happens most commonly in the lower back area. Symptoms may include:

    • Severe pain in arms and legs
    • Pain and numbness
    • Worst pain at night with certain movements
    • Aching, tingling, and burning sensation
    • Muscle Weakness
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    Diagnosis

    To diagnose herniated discs, a doctor may perform a physical or neurological exam to check your reflexes, walking ability, muscle strength, or loss of sensation. Your doctor might suggest the following tests:

    • X-rays
    • CT Scans
    • MRI
    • Myelogram and Electromyogram
    A doctor helping patient with back pain, Neurosurgeon Los Angeles, Spine Surgeon in Los Angeles

    Treatment

    There are both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for Disc Herniation. The initial treatment is usually non-surgical. However, in some cases, slipped discs put pressure on nerves in the surrounding area affecting bowel & bladder function and causing severe pain. In such cases, your doctor may suggest disc herniation surgery treatment. Treatment options include:

    Why Choose Southern California

    At Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery, we are dedicated to providing our patients with best-in-class surgical treatments so our patients recover faster with less pain and get back to a healthy life sooner. Our top-rated and board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Moksha Ranasinghe specializes in treating disc herniation and other spine conditions.

    1.

    Advanced diagnostic methods

    2.

    State-of-the-art technology

    3.

    Minimally Invasive Surgery

    4.

    Patient-centered approach

    5.

    Recovery with less downtime

    6.

    Outstanding patient care

    For more information call us at (213) 369-4583 or visit our office in Los Angeles today!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    faq
    What happens If the disc herniation is left untreated?
    A:

    If the disc herniation is left untreated, it can lead to complete paralysis in the lower back region. It’s better to consult a doctor and get the treatment as soon as possible.

    Why do I feel pain in my leg if the herniated disc is in my back?
    A:

    The nerves in the leg originate in the spinal region and travel down to the buttock and legs. A herniated disc puts pressure on the nerve roots in the lower back leading to pain in the buttock and leg.