Over time, your spinal discs will naturally dry out and lose flexibility. As a result, the discs will become more susceptible to tearing, even during daily activities. And because the stress on your spine is intensified with repetitive motion, you may be especially prone to spinal degeneration and herniated discs if you perform physically demanding tasks.

In addition to neck or back pain, a herniated disc can cause numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness if a nearby nerve is compressed by the damaged disc. If symptoms like these are keeping you away from activities you enjoy, the spine specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Gillette, Wyoming, can provide effective herniated disc treatment to help you find the relief you need.

How Is a Herniated Disc Treated?

Most herniated discs do not require surgical treatment. Instead, the symptoms can often be managed with a combination of conservative therapies, such as:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the spine
• Hot or cold packs to improve comfort
• Oral medications and/or steroid injections to reduce painful inflammation
• Manual manipulation, such as therapeutic massage or chiropractic care, to relieve deep muscle tension and spasms

Although the team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers always suggests nonsurgical herniated disc treatment first, we offer the latest surgical treatments as well. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons are skilled and experienced in performing procedures that involve spinal decompression, degenerative disc removal and replacement, and spinal fusion, which may be considered to address a herniated disc that is causing severe discomfort.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your herniated disc treatment options with a spine specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, contact us today. A helpful team member will be pleased to schedule an appointment for you at our satellite clinic in Gillette, WY.