Have a Herniated Disc? You Should See a Specialist.
The Essential Information:
A herniated disc occurs when the cushion-like material between vertebrae ruptures, putting pressure on nearby nerves.
Herniated Disc Symptoms include:
Pain
Numbness
Weakness
Depending on the severity, your treatment may involve:
Physical therapy
Medication
Surgery
Why it Matters:
Herniated discs can significantly impact your quality of life, causing pain and limiting mobility. Understanding the condition and seeking appropriate treatment can improve comfort and function.
The Bottom Line:
Recognizing the signs of a herniated disc and knowing when to seek medical attention are important steps in managing the issue. With proper diagnosis and tailored treatment, you can experience relief from pain and regain your ability to engage in daily activities.
If you suspect you have a herniated disc, don't ignore the symptoms. Consult a POA orthopaedic spine specialist for an evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. With the right approach, you can find relief and improve your overall well-being.
Meet Our Orthopaedic Spine Specialists
To dive deeper, keep reading.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Understanding herniated discs is crucial for anyone experiencing back pain or discomfort. These spinal issues can impact daily life and mobility. You can regain control of your health and well-being by recognizing symptoms, knowing when to seek help, and exploring treatment options.
A herniated disc, also commonly known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner material of your spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer. Spinal discs serve as cushions between the vertebrae of the spine, providing flexibility and shock absorption for the spine. They consist of a gel-like inner core (nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a tough, fibrous outer layer (annulus fibrosis). When a disc herniates, the inner material may press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
Spinal Care at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates
Why you can trust us:
We have multiple Orthopaedic Spine & Back Specialists who treat spine & back-related injuries every day.
We have the Spine and Back Institute with a team of world-recognized back specialists, orthopaedists, and therapists who have focused solely on back, neck, and spine health issues for over 15 years.
We have a whole-body health approach when it comes to orthopaedic spine, neck, and back health. The health of the entire body is connected to your back.
Herniated discs can occur anywhere along your spine, but they most commonly occur in the lower back or in the neck.
What Causes Spinal Disc Herniation?
Several factors can lead to the development of a herniated disc:
Age: As you age, your spinal discs lose water content and, therefore, become less flexible, which makes them more prone to tearing or rupturing. This natural aging process can increase the risk of herniated discs.
Trauma or Injury: Sudden trauma or an injury to your spine, such as lifting heavy objects incorrectly, falling, or a car accident, can cause herniation of the disc. These events can create enough force to rupture the disc's outer layer.
Repetitive Strain: Activities that involve repetitive movements, lifting heavy objects, or twisting motions can gradually wear down the discs and increase the risk of herniation over time.
Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing herniated discs due to inherited traits that affect the structure and integrity of the spinal discs.
Obesity: Excess body weight puts increased pressure on your spine and contributes to disc degeneration, which makes them more susceptible to herniation.
Poor Posture: Consistently having poor posture can lead to uneven pressure on the spinal discs, increasing the risk of disc herniation.
Smoking: If you're smoking, it reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, which inhibits the absorption of nutrients, which can weaken the discs and make them more prone to herniation.
What Are Herniated Disc Symptoms?
The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of the issue. Common signs include localized pain, numbness or tingling, weakness in muscles served by the affected nerve, and pain that radiates down the arm or leg.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like:
Localized pain
Numbness or tingling
Weakness in muscles served by the affected nerve
Pain that radiates down your arm or leg
When to See an Orthopaedic Spine Specialist
If you experience persistent or severe back pain, especially if accompanied by numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking, it's essential to consult an orthopaedic specialist. Additionally, it's important that you seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or interfere with daily activities.
When to See a Specialist:
Persistent or severe back pain.
Numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking.
Symptoms worsen or interfere with daily activities.
Treatment for a herniated disc will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and individual circumstances. Options for treatment may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and medication to manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, surgery to remove the protruding disc material is necessary. Because every situation is unique to the individual, we recommend seeing an orthopaedic spine specialist immediately if you think you have a herniated disc.
Common Herniated Disc Treatment
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
Medication to manage pain and inflammation
Surgery to remove the protruding disc material (in some cases)
At-Home Techniques
Gentle stretching and exercising
Avoid high-impact activities
Listen to your body and avoid movements that worsen symptoms
Helpful Stretches for a Herniated Disc
Specific stretches can help alleviate discomfort associated with herniated discs. Consult a specialist to determine which stretches are safe and effective for you. Weak core muscles are a common issue for those experiencing back pain, as they provide less support to the spine. Strengthening core muscles can reduce back pain. Regular stretching can alleviate pain and prevent chronic muscle spasms associated with a herniated or bulging disc.
Stretching Exercises for Herniated Disc Relief:
Knee to chest stretch: This can help ease pain and improve posture.
Lie on your back.
Grab one leg by the ankle and pull it towards your chest.
Hold for 30 seconds.
Repeat with the other leg.
Hip Stretching: Helps ease back pain and improve blood flow to the lower extremities.
Lie on the floor.
Pull one leg up towards your head using your arms.
Reach towards your toes with your hands while keeping the other leg on the floor.
Triceps stretch: This can help ease the pain and improve your posture.
Stand upright.
Lift one arm towards the sky while keeping the other on your side.
Hold for 30 seconds.
Repeat with the other arm.
Seated hamstring stretch: Another stretch that helps with pain and posture.
Sit on a chair.
Place one leg over the other.
Bend towards the leg on the chair.
Hold for 30 seconds.
Switch legs.
These stretches target key areas to alleviate back pain and improve posture, making them beneficial for managing a herniated disc.
Exercises for Herniated Discs:
Weak core muscles contribute to back pain by providing inadequate spinal support. Strengthening your core can alleviate this discomfort.
Here are some practical exercises with instructional details:
Pelvic tilts: Start on your back, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor. Slowly tilt your pelvis upward as you press your lower back into the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
Bent knee hug: Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. With your hands around it, bring one knee towards your chest. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch legs. Repeat 2-3 times on each side.
Bicycle: Lie on your back with knees bent and hands behind your head. Lift your shoulders off the floor while you bring your right elbow toward your left knee, your right leg extended. Switch sides and bring your left elbow toward your right knee. Alternate sides in a cycling motion for 10-15 repetitions per side.
Knee to chest: Lie on your back, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor. Bring a knee toward your chest, holding it with both hands. Hold for 15-30 seconds, switch legs, and repeat 2-3 times on each side.
Additional core stabilization exercises include:
Planks: First, position yourself in a push-up position, resting on your forearms. Keep your body straight from head to heels, engaging your core muscles. Hold for 30-60 seconds or as long as you can maintain proper form.
Side plank: Lying on your side with your legs stacked and your elbow directly beneath your shoulder, lift your hips off the floor, creating a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold for 30-60 seconds, then switch sides.
Floor-prone cobra: Lie facedown with arms extended overhead. Lift your chest and arms off the floor while squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then lower back down. Continue for 10-15 repetitions.
Things To Avoid With A Herniated Disk
If you're feeling the pain of a herniated disc, it's important to be mindful of the exercises you're engaging in because some movements can exacerbate your discomfort and potentially worsen your condition. If you know or think you have a herniated disc, you should avoid activities that strain the spine excessively, such as heavy lifting or sudden twisting motions. Listening to your body and avoiding movements that worsen symptoms is essential.
Avoid These Things if You Suspect a Herniated Disc:
Heavy lifting
Sudden twisting motions
Rotational exercises: These movements can exacerbate herniated or bulging disc pain by putting stress on the spine.
Leg raises: These exercises can increase stress on the lower back, worsening discomfort associated with herniated discs.
Sit-ups: Avoid these exercises as they can strain the lower back
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
Knowing When to Seek Help From a Hand Doctor for Hand Issues
Experiencing discomfort or limitations in your hand's function can disrupt your daily life. Knowing when to consult a hand doctor is essential for getting the proper care, whether it's from an injury or a persistent condition. But what exactly is a hand doctor, and when should you consider seeing one?
What Is a Hand Doctor?
Hand doctors, often orthopedic specialists, are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. With their deep understanding of the intricate network of tissues and bones in the hand, they provide tailored care for people of all ages dealing with hand-related issues.
Seeing a hand specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a hand surgeon, can offer several advantages over seeing a general doctor for hand issues:
Expertise
Hand specialists have specific training and experience in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the hands, wrists, and forearms. They possess a deeper understanding of the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the hand, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Specialized treatment options
Hand specialists are familiar with a wide range of treatment options specific to hand conditions, including conservative approaches such as physical therapy and splinting and surgical interventions if necessary. They can tailor treatment plans to address individual patient needs and preferences.
Advanced procedures
In cases where surgery is required, hand specialists are trained in advanced surgical techniques specific to hand and wrist conditions. They have the skills and experience to perform delicate procedures with precision, minimizing risks and maximizing outcomes.
Comprehensive care
Hand specialists often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care for hand conditions. They can coordinate multidisciplinary treatment plans to optimize recovery and functional outcomes.
Better outcomes
Research has shown that patients receiving care from specialists tend to have better outcomes than those treated by general practitioners. Hand specialists can offer specialized expertise and personalized care, leading to improved symptom relief, functional recovery, and overall satisfaction with treatment outcomes.
While general doctors can provide initial evaluation and basic treatment for hand issues, seeing a hand specialist can offer specialized expertise and tailored care that may lead to better outcomes in the long run. If you're experiencing hand problems, consulting with a hand specialist can help ensure you receive the most tailored, appropriate, and effective care for your condition.
Meet Our Orthopaedic Hand & Wrist Specialists
Why you can trust us:
We have multiple Orthopaedic Hand & Wrist Specialists who treat hand & wrist-related injuries every day.
We believe in the power of specialization. That means that our patients receive care from doctors, therapists, and orthopaedic wrist, forearm, and hand specialists who treat orthopaedic wrist, forearm, and hand issues on a daily basis.
We have a whole-body health approach when it comes to orthopaedic hand and wrist and we will make sure that your condition is treated as thoroughly as possible so that you can get back to living life.
From arthritis to nerve problems and fractures, various conditions can affect hand health. Whether from sudden injuries or gradual wear and tear, these issues can impair function and cause discomfort.
These are some of the common hand issues that can cause pain or discomfort:
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the hand, such as De Quervain's tenosynovitis or trigger finger, can cause pain and limited movement.
Fractures: Broken bones in the hand, fingers, or wrist can result from trauma or repetitive stress, causing pain and swelling.
Dupuytren's Contracture: Thickening of tissue in the palm can cause fingers to bend inward, resulting in discomfort and difficulty with hand function.
Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and forearm.
Ganglion Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs near joints or tendons can cause discomfort and may interfere with hand movement.
Tendon Injuries: Injuries to the flexor or extensor tendons of the hand can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with gripping and extending the fingers.
Hand Injuries: Traumatic injuries such as lacerations, crush injuries, or dislocations can cause significant pain and functional impairment.
Wrist Instability: Weakness or laxity in the wrist ligaments can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty with activities requiring wrist movement.
Recognizing symptoms and seeking timely evaluation and treatment from a hand specialist can help alleviate pain and prevent long-term complications.
Treatment for hand conditions varies based on diagnosis and severity. In many situations these non-surgical methods are often attempted first. However, surgical intervention might be necessary if these methods prove ineffective or if significant damage exists.
Non-Surgical Hand Treatment
Therapy
Splinting
Medications
Surgical Treatment
Tendon repair
Joint reconstruction
Nerve surgery
These procedures aim to both alleviate pain and restore function, offering hope for improved quality of life.
When Should I Seek Out A Hand Doctor Near Me?
Hand pain and issues may fluctuate, potentially arising from overuse or a previous injury. Sometimes though, more attention is required.
Here are some signs that it's time to find an orthopaedic hand specialist near you:
Persistent Pain
Even when resting, ongoing discomfort in your hand warrants attention.
Limited Mobility
Difficulty moving your hand, wrist, or fingers as usual could indicate an underlying problem.
Weak Grip
Struggling to hold objects or experiencing weakness in your grip might signify an issue.
Swelling or Redness
If you're experiencing swelling or redness, especially if these symptoms worsen with activity, it may require professional evaluation.
Tingling or Numbness
Sensations of tingling or numbness in your hand or fingers can indicate nerve-related issues.
Loss of Muscle Tone
Don't discount or ignore noticeable changes in the strength or tone of your hand muscles.
Daily Tasks Becoming Challenging
If activities like brushing your hair become painful or difficult, it's time to seek help.
Lack of Improvement
If symptoms persist despite rest or self-care measures, it's wise to consult a specialist.
Your hands play a vital role in daily activities, making it crucial to address any issues affecting their function promptly. By recognizing symptoms and seeking timely care from a hand specialist, you can embark on a journey toward better hand health and overall well-being.
If you're experiencing hand and wrist pain keep these things in mind:
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye out for persistent pain, weakness, or numbness in your hand.
Seek Professional Evaluation: Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if symptoms persist or worsen.
Explore Non-Surgical Options: Consider therapy, medications, or splinting as initial treatment avenues.
Discuss Surgical Options: If conservative treatments fail, consult your specialist about surgical options.
Follow Through with Rehabilitation: Commit to post-treatment rehabilitation for optimal recovery.
Preventive Measures: Adopt ergonomic practices and regular hand-strengthening exercises. This can help to minimize the risk of future injuries.
