Herniated Disc

What is a herniated disc?

Each bone that makes up your spine is separated by a cushiony disc made of a soft gel-like center wrapped in a tough exterior. These discs act as shock absorbers and support the flexibility of your spine. 

A herniated disc, also called a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft-gel like center of your disc pushes through the tough exterior and into the spinal canal. The herniation may compress or irritate a nerve, causing discomfort.

Though you can develop a herniated disc after an acute injury, degeneration of the disc that occurs with age is most often the underlying cause of the herniation. 

A herniated disc may occur in any part of your spine. However, they’re more common in the lumber (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine. 

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Herniated disc symptoms vary and depend on the location and severity of the herniation. In fact, you may not have any symptoms at all if your herniated disc isn’t pressing on a nerve, or you may only experience a dull ache in your neck or lower back. 

However, when your herniated disc compresses or irritates a nerve, you may experience symptoms in the body part where the nerve travels, such as:

• Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling sensation in your upper or lower extremities
• Muscle weakness

These symptoms may only affect one side of your body.

If you have these symptoms, contact Dr. Marinaro to schedule an evaluation. He offers innovative treatments that can alleviate your symptoms and improve overall health and wellness. 

What happens during a consultation for my herniated disc?

When you come in to see Dr. Marinaro for a herniated disc consultation, you can expect a thorough assessment.

During your consultation, Dr. Marinaro asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history. He performs a physical exam, paying close attention to the structure and function of your spine and orders diagnostic imaging tests to better understand the root cause of your symptoms.

How is a herniated disc treated?

Dr. Marinaro develops an individualized treatment plan for your herniated disc based on the severity of your symptoms and herniation, as well as your overall health and wellness. 

Your herniated disc treatment plan may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Therapeutic exercise program
• Ice and heat
• Activity modification

He may also recommend pulsed electromagnetic therapy, which is a noninvasive treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate cells. By increasing cellular activity, this innovative therapy may stimulate your body’s natural healing process to reduce inflammation and pain.

Pulsed electromagnetic therapy may also reduce anxiety.

Although he prefers a nonsurgical approach, Dr. Marinaro may recommend a surgical consultation when needed.

If you have a herniated disc, contact Pain Relief Center Studio City by phone or book an appointment online today.