Herniated Disc Treatment Available in Freehold & Monroe Township, NJ
A herniated disc is a relatively common—and sometimes painful—spine condition that occurs when the tough outer border of a spinal disc ruptures, allowing some of the disc’s inner gel-like material to seep out. In addition to causing localized irritation, the escaped disc material may press on nearby nerve tissue, which can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness in the neck, back, arms, or legs.
If you are experiencing herniated disc symptoms, the team of board-certified spine surgeons and other orthopedic specialists at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) can help you find relief. We’ll begin with a thorough evaluation to determine whether a herniated disc or another spine condition is the source of your discomfort and, once we confirm your diagnosis, we will suggest an appropriate treatment plan, if necessary. At our state-of-the-art orthopedic centers in Freehold and Monroe Township, New Jersey, you can benefit from the latest treatment options, including physical therapy, pain management techniques, and minimally invasive spine surgery.
What Causes a Spinal Disc to Herniate?
Disc herniation and other degenerative spine conditions are often associated with the natural aging process. Over time, the spinal discs gradually dry out and become more prone to rupturing, even during daily activities. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a herniated disc, such as:
- Using improper lifting techniques, such as primarily relying on the back muscles rather than the larger and stronger leg muscles to lift heavy objects off the ground
- Carrying excess body weight, which can overburden the spinal discs
- Smoking, which interferes with the delivery of oxygen to tissues throughout the body and can hasten the breakdown of spinal discs
- Repeatedly performing movements that strain the spine, such as pulling, pushing, bending, and twisting
How Will AOSMI Treat My Herniated Disc?
Every patient is unique, and there is no single best way to treat a herniated disc. At AOSMI, our goal is to help you find the most conservative treatment approach that will be effective. Many patients benefit from a combination of rest, activity modifications, physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In general, we reserve surgery as a last resort. Therefore, if your discomfort persists or worsens after several weeks of nonsurgical treatment, we may begin to discuss your surgical options.
If you have questions, contact AOSMI today to request a consultation at our facility in Freehold or Monroe Township, NJ, where you can learn more about herniated disc treatment.