Disc Herniation

Disc Herniation services offered in Wasilla, AK

Trauma, age-related wear-and-tear, and lifting with improper form are just some of the causes of herniated discs. If you’re one of the more than 3 million Americans who suffer from a slipped disc every year, seek personalized care from the board-certified physicians at Pioneer Peak Orthopedics. The team uses advanced treatment methodologies to address a wide range of spinal issues, including cervical and lumbar disc herniation, and tailors your care to your needs. To schedule your consultation, call the office in Wasilla, Alaska, or visit the practice’s orthopedic walk-in clinic today.

How do discs become herniated?

Your spine is composed of discs stacked in a neat column, protecting your nervous system and enabling you to move, lift objects, and enjoy your life. As tough as they are, however, these discs are vulnerable to disease, sudden trauma, and the passage of time.

The leading causes of herniated discs include:

Falls or other traumatic injuries
Wear-and-tear
Getting older
Repeated twisting or bending motions
Lifting heavy objects with improper form

Each disc has a hard outer layer with a softer center, and if something causes the outer layer to crack, the gel-like inner layer pushes outside and can wreak havoc on nearby nerves. This is the source of various troublesome symptoms and a good indication that it’s time for medical attention.

What are the symptoms of herniated discs?

If you have a herniated disc, your symptoms will depend on where the trouble is located. For example, if the issue is in your lower back (a herniated lumbar disc), you may experience:

Muscle weakness
Lower back pain
Numbness or tingling in your feet and legs

If the trouble is in your neck (a herniated cervical disc), you’ll likely feel:

Numbness or tingling in your arms
Neck pain, particularly in the back or sides of your neck
Increasing pain when bending the neck or turning your head
Pain between your shoulder blades
Shooting pain running down your shoulder, arms, and even hands

You’re more likely to suffer from a herniated disc if you’re over age 30, smoke, have a sedentary job, or are overweight.

How are herniated discs treated?

The Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team carefully evaluates your condition, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms. If testing reveals a herniated disc, your care plan may include:

Medication
Physical therapy
Spinal injections

The board-certified surgeons can also discuss surgical options, including:

Discectomy—removing herniated disc material
Microdiscectomy—a minimally invasive discectomy
Spinal fusion
Artificial disc replacement

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain from a herniated disc, talk to the Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team about your treatment options. You can start today by calling the office or visiting the orthopedic walk-in clinic.