Herniated Discs Specialist
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Premier Pain Consultants
Pain Management Practice located in Fullerton, CA & Irvine, CA
There are few sensations more terrifying than a sudden, sharp pain in your back after lifting something heavy. This is a common way that herniated discs happen, and the pain or tingling sensations can last for a long time without treatment. Joseph Ho, MD, and Weiwah Rob Kwok, MD, at Premier Pain Consultants in Fullerton, California, are experienced in treating herniated discs and managing the variations of pain that come with them. To find out if you have a herniated disc and create a treatment plan, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Herniated Disc Q & A
What is a herniated disc?
You have 29 bones called vertebrae that make up your spine. Between these bones are soft cushioning discs that are filled with a jelly-like substance. A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in your back gets ruptured. The jelly substance inside leaks into the area around your spine and irritates the nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.
What causes herniated discs?
Typically, herniated discs occur after normal wear-and-tear on your discs. If you have a job that requires lots of physical labor or if you’re overweight, you may be at a higher risk of getting a herniated disc because of the extra pressure on your back. Other causes and risk factors of herniated discs include:
- Lifting heavy or large objects
- Twisting your back while lifting something heavy
- Falling on your back
- Keeping bad posture over time
Usually, you can’t pinpoint the exact cause of your herniated disc. Your discs become weaker over time in general and therefore are more susceptible to rupture.
What do herniated discs feel like?
The sensation that you feel with a herniated disc can range from numbness to severe pain in your back. You may feel:
- Pain in your neck, arm(s) or hand(s)
- Pain in your back, leg(s) or buttock(s)
- Shooting pain when you cough
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
Some patients experience no symptoms at all. But if you notice any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention to find out if it’s caused by a herniated disc.
How can I manage the pain from my herniated disc?
With proper treatment and pain management, you may fully recover from a herniated disc. Your doctor at Premier Pain Consultants evaluates your pain and creates a plan for you to manage it as you recover. To manage your pain, Dr. Ho or Dr. Kwok may give you:
Epidural injections
Epidural injections are injected into the area surrounding your spine called the epidural space. The injections may contain steroids that reduce inflammation, relieving the pain and discomfort caused by swelling.
Nerve blocks
Nerve blocks are medications injected around the nerves and stop the signals from your nerves that feel pain. Taking nerve blocks allows you to be comfortable while your herniated disc heals.
The pain of a herniated disc can range from mildly uncomfortable to extreme and exhausting. For relief from the discomfort of a herniated disc, call or schedule a consultation online at Premier Pain Consultants.
