Herniated-Disc Warning Signs
Know the tell-tale signals a disc has slipped and is pressing on a nerve.
Pain Signals
- Sharp low‑back pain
- Sciatica (radiating leg pain)
- Pain worse when sitting, bending or coughing
Neurological Changes
- Numbness / tingling in foot or toes
- Leg weakness or foot drop
- Trouble standing fully upright
Typical Causes
- Heavy lifting or twisting injury
- Age-related disc wear-and-tear
- Long drives / vibration exposure
Pinpoint Diagnosis
Diagnosis That Targets the Exact Disc
Specialist Exam
Straight-leg-raise and muscle testing localize the irritated nerve root.
3‑Tesla MRI
Ultra-clear scans reveal bulges, tears and nerve compression in vivid detail.
Selective Nerve Block
Diagnostic injection confirms the pain source when more than one disc looks abnormal.
Personalized Treatment Pathway
90% of Herniated-Disc Cases Heal Without Surgery. We always start conservative; surgery is reserved for those who truly need it.
Conservative Care
- Activity modification & core therapy
- NSAIDs / muscle relaxants
- McKenzie‑based physical therapy
Injection Therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Selective nerve-root block
- Facet or SI‑joint injections
Minimally Invasive Surgery
- 1‑inch microdiscectomy
- Endoscopic discectomy
- Artificial disc replacement (select cases)
Microdiscectomy: 4‑Step Technique
Outpatient procedure, <1‑inch incision, and back to work in as little as one week.
Minimal Access
Tubular retractor spreads—not cuts—muscle fibres.
Microscopic Precision
10× magnification shields the nerve root.
Targeted Extraction
Only the offending disc fragment is removed.
Rapid Recovery
Walk within hours; most desk workers return in one week.
Recovery Timeline
Clear milestones so you know exactly what to expect after surgery.
Day 0
Walk the hallway before discharge; shower allowed next morning.
Week 2
Return to desk work, begin light stretching.
Week 4
Formal PT for core strengthening.
Week 6‑8
Resume sports & heavy lifting with surgeon clearance.
Meet Our Spine Surgeons
Fellowship‑trained experts in minimally invasive disc surgery.
Patient Success Stories
Real experiences from our herniated disc patients.
After months of sciatica from a herniated disc, Dr. McCarty's microdiscectomy gave me instant relief. Walking pain-free the same day was incredible!
The epidural injection worked wonders! Combined with PT, I avoided surgery completely. Dr. Varghese's team really cares about conservative treatment first.
Dr. Maslak explained everything clearly. The 1-inch incision was tiny! Back to construction work in 6 weeks—couldn't believe the quick recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I try non‑surgical care before surgery?
National guidelines recommend 6–12 weeks of conservative care unless you experience progressive weakness or severe pain.
Will a microdiscectomy destabilize my spine?
No. The procedure removes only the herniated fragment and preserves bone, ligaments, and most of the disc.
What is the risk of re‑herniation?
5–10%. Abstaining from smoking and following lift limits cuts the risk roughly in half.
Is the surgery covered by insurance?
Yes—microdiscectomy is widely covered once conservative treatment fails. Our team verifies benefits and obtains prior authorization.
Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment Options
Most herniated disc patients heal without surgery. Initial herniated disc treatment focuses on calming inflammation, decompressing the nerve, and strengthening supporting muscles. Strategic rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and McKenzie-based exercises reduce pressure on the bulging disc. When pain persists, targeted epidural steroid injections can provide dramatic relief and allow healing to progress.
Since herniated discs often result from poor body mechanics, addressing root causes matters. Proper lifting techniques, ergonomic workstation setup, and core strengthening exercises prevent re-injury. Our integrated approach—combining spine specialists, physical therapists, and pain management—resolves symptoms for approximately 90% of patients without surgery.
Ready to Find Relief from Herniated Disc Pain?
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