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Cervical & Lumbar Herniated Disc
Discs are the rubbery buffer between each bone—or vertebrae—in the back. A herniated disc, commonly known as a slipped disc, occurs when the central part of the disc extends into the spinal canal. This typically occurs after a tear in the tough ring that surrounds the soft inner core of the disc.
Cervical & Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms:
Herniated discs can cause a variety of symptoms. When a herniated disc causes problems with normal spinal cord functions, it is called myelopathy. Though symptoms can vary, the most common include:
- Radiculopathy, or pain in the neck, shoulders and arms
- Pain that radiates down the arm into the hand
- Trouble walking
- Issues with hand function
- Bowel and bladder incontinence
Herniated discs are most common in older adults, and aging is the most common cause. However, trauma may also cause herniated discs. The most common diagnosis for herniated discs is an MRI. Though CT scans can be used for patients who cannot have an MRI.
Cervical & Lumbar Herniated Disc Treatment:
Herniated discs are often managed non-surgically through over-the-counter medication, steroid injections, physical therapy or prescription medications; however, if non-surgical treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be performed.
To relieve a herniated disc, a neurosurgeon will remove the portion of the disc protruding into the spinal canal or rarely, the entire disc. This procedure, called an anterior cervical discectomy (ACDF), relieves pressure on the spine. The anterior discectomy is the removal of the herniated disc material through an incision in the neck. After the herniation is removed, a neurosurgeon performs spinal fusion. This involves placing a bone graft and metal hardware, like screws, on the vertebrae above and below the herniated disc; over time, the bone graft and vertebrae fuse, functioning as one bone and providing stability in the spine.
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We specialize in Cervical & Lumbar Herniated Disc Treatment.
At Nashville Neurosurgery Associates, we are proud to be one of the region’s leading neurosurgical centers. Our team of board-certified surgeons provide expert care and treatment of cervical and lumbar herniated disc.
