A herniated disc is a relatively common—and sometimes painful—spine condition. A spinal disc is said to herniate when its tough outer shell ruptures, allowing some of its inner gel-like material to seep out. The escaped disc material can potentially irritate or press on sensitive nerve tissue in the spinal canal. In addition to pain, an irritated or compressed spinal nerve can cause numbness, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness to develop in the neck, back, arms, or legs.

If you have herniated disc symptoms, the team of board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians at Premier Bone & Joint Centers can help you find effective relief. We’ll start with a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the precise source of your discomfort. Once we confirm your diagnosis, we will suggest an appropriate treatment plan, if necessary. At our satellite clinic in Riverton, Wyoming, you can benefit from the latest herniated disc treatment options, including physical therapy, pain management techniques, and minimally invasive spine surgery.

What Causes a Spinal Disc to Herniate?

Herniated discs and other degenerative spine conditions often develop along with the natural aging process. Over time, the spinal discs gradually dry out, lose flexibility, and become more prone to rupturing—even during daily activities.

In addition to the simple passage of time, other factors that can strain the spine and increase the risk of developing a herniated disc include:

• Repetitive movements – Frequently performing activities that involve bending, twisting, pushing, or pulling
• Improper lifting techniques – Relying on the back muscles instead of the larger and stronger leg muscles to lift heavy objects off the ground
• Smoking – Introducing carbon monoxide into the bloodstream, which interferes with the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to tissues throughout the body

How Is a Herniated Disc Treated?

The orthopedic specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers emphasize personalized treatment, and we will help you find the most conservative treatment approach that will be effective. Many of our patients benefit from a combination of rest, activity modifications, hot/cold compresses, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In general, we reserve surgery as a last resort, but if your discomfort persists or worsens after several weeks of nonsurgical treatment, we can help you explore your surgical options.

If you have questions or would like to talk with a spine doctor, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to request an appointment at our satellite clinic in Riverton, WY.