Herniated Disc Treatment in Sherman Oaks, CA
A herniated disc, often called a slipped disc, is a painful condition that many people suffer from. The spine is made up of many vertebrae, each of which is cushioned by semi-solid discs. When one of these disks ruptures, shifts or becomes worn, it can lead to a herniated disc.
Request more information about herniated disc treatment today: Call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
The most common symptom associated with a herniated disc is pain. That's because the discs that separate spinal vertebrae are essentially bulging out of place. They are sometimes called bulging discs for this reason.
One or multiple herniated discs can lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Weakness
- Reduced mobility
- “Tingling” sensation
- Arm pain
- Leg pain
- Numbness
Typically, the identifying factor in a herniated disc is the way the pain appears to travel. People suffering from one of these ruptured discs often report a pain sensation that moves from the neck or back all the way down through the arm or leg. This is caused by the bulging disc irritating the nerves near the spine.
Herniated Disc Causes
Each of the discs that separate the spinal vertebrae is comprised of two parts: a tough outer shell and a softer interior. The actual herniated disc is caused when the outer shell wears down and the softer interior begins to push out of place.
There is often no one cause of a herniated disc. For most people, it is a gradual wear and tear on the spine that eventually leads to a damaged disc. Certain risk factors may also increase a given person's chance of having a herniated disc.
These factors include:
- Obesity
- Repetitive spinal motion in a career, sport or activity
- Family history
Herniated Disc Treatment
All herniated disc treatment begins with a diagnosis process to determine if a damaged disc is present. This can start with something as simple as a physical example to determine if the area is tender or if there is a visible problem. If this is the case, more advanced diagnostics may be used. These include:
- CT scans
- X-Rays
- MRI's
- Electromyography (EMG)
If it is determined that a herniated disc is present in the spine, treatment can begin. For cases that are minor or only mildly symptomatic, medication may be enough. This can include over-the-counter pain medication, prescription medication or muscle relaxers.
Other forms of herniated disc treatment include:
- Bracing
- Osteopathic manipulation
- Biopuncture
- Acupuncture
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery
Surgery is typically considered a last resort if the symptoms do not improve with other treatment. In some forms of herniated disc surgery, it is possible for just the bulging part to be removed. For others, the entire disc may need to be taken out.
If the disc is removed, it can be replaced by spinal fusion surgery or, in some cases, an artificial disc. Some surgeons may perform minimally invasive herniated disc surgery or robotic herniated disc surgery, but not all.
Request Herniated Disc Information Today
A herniated disc can make even the most routine tasks difficult. Request more information about herniated disc treatment today: call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Vitality Integrative Medicine
Address
4849 Van Nuys BlvdSuite 104
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(424) 365-1800
www.vitalityintegrative.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm