Many people do not know that a herniated disk is one of the most common diagnoses in American Chiropractic offices. A herniated disk occurs when your spine's intervertebral disc material leaks out and causes nerve irritation. This can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling sensations, or weakness in other parts of the body.
If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a prolonged period, it may be time to see a cervical disk herniation specialist in Houston, TX. In this article, we'll cover the symptoms and diagnoses of a Herniated Disk that you need to know.
What Is A Herniated Disk?
A herniated disk usually occurs when the spinal column becomes compressed and forces the intervertebral discs to herniate. If you have a weakened or damaged disk, it can cause pain in your neck, upper back, and arms. It may also feel like pressure on one side of your spine when you move around.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Herniated Disk?
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a herniated disk for more than six weeks, talk with our expert Dr. Nilesh Kotecha - he will need to assess whether surgery is necessary. There are many ways that this injury could be happening without being too obvious at first glance! Here's what some common signs might be:
- Numbness or Tingling: Those who suffer from a herniated disk will experience pain or numbness in their arms, ribs, and stomach.
- Pain: Herniated disk symptoms may also include neck pain that travels down the spine to your back or into your arm.
- Stiffness: A herniated disk is typically diagnosed when you have stiffness or weakness consistently. These can be worse with sitting for long periods as well!
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you experience these symptoms for more than six weeks, it is time to see a herniated disk specialist in Houston, TX. Dr. Nilesh Kotecha will perform an exam, order x-rays and other tests to determine the severity of your situation.
A person with severe symptoms such as saddle anesthesia, bladder dysfunction, worsening numbness, pain, or weakness, should get help right away, as this can be a sign of an emergency. The person would need immediate intervention to avoid the possibility of permanent paralysis or weakness.
What Is The Most Common Treatment For A Herniated Disk?
The most common treatment option for a herniated disk will be conservative treatments like rest, ice packs, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. Your doctor can discuss your best treatment option depending on the location and pain level you have felt over the past few months. Surgery options include decompression procedures such as laminectomy or cervical spinal fusion, which fuse two vertebrae.
Contact A Cervical Disk Herniation Specialist Today
If you have any questions about a herniated disk, please contact us at Texas Institute Of Spine Care.
We will be more than happy to answer your questions and relieve your pain!