A herniated disc is a common spine condition that may not require treatment unless it presses on a spinal nerve root. An irritated or compressed nerve can set off several uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness. Depending on the location of the affected nerve, these symptoms may affect your neck or back, and possibly radiate down one of your arms or legs.

If you are experiencing herniated disc symptoms, you can consult with a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers. When you visit our satellite clinic in Cheyenne, Wyoming, your spine doctor will perform a physical examination and order imaging studies to confirm your diagnosis, then suggest an appropriate treatment plan to help you feel better.

We’ll Start You Out With Nonsurgical Treatment

If you require treatment for a herniated disc, the approach we recommend will depend on several factors, including the site of the damage and the severity of your symptoms. Oftentimes, the condition will improve on its own within several weeks. In the meantime, you may find that you can manage your discomfort with conservative therapies, such as:

• A few days of rest
• Targeted stretches and low-impact exercises
• Postural improvement
• A heating pad or ice pack applied to the painful area of your neck or back
• Over-the-counter pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Prescription-strength medications, such as muscle relaxants and epidural steroid injections

What About Surgery?

Because herniated disc symptoms often resolve without surgical treatment, we typically advise our patients to try all appropriate nonsurgical therapies and to give those treatments sufficient time to work (which can sometimes take up to several months), before considering any type of surgery.

If you’d like to meet with a spine specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, contact us today to schedule a consultation in Cheyenne, WY.