Herniated Disc Specialist

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a painful condition that affects the spine. It occurs when one of your vertebral discs –– frisbee-shaped pieces of tissue that cushion your vertebrae –– tears and bulges outward, placing pressure on one or more of the nerves in your spine.

Herniated discs can affect any part of your spine, but they’re especially common in the lower back. If back pain is something you regularly deal with and you can’t find relief, make an appointment with Dr. Addona today.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Back pain
• Tingling or numbness in your lower extremities
• Muscle weakness
• Neck pain
• Pain that gets worse when you bend over or reach 
• Numbness or tingling in your arms

Without treatment, a herniated disc can affect your mobility, as well as your ability to exercise or go to work. 

Who might experience a herniated disc?

Herniated discs affect people of all ages and sexes, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Working a job that requires you to sit for long periods
• Living a primarily sedentary lifestyle
• Living heavy objects
• Smoking

You’re also more likely to experience a herniated disc if your job requires you to stay on your feet for long periods or do lots of lifting.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

To diagnose a herniated disc, Dr. Addona reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including their severity, and if any activities, like work or exercise, make them worse. Next, he assesses your reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength. 

If basic tests aren’t enough to determine the cause of your pain, Dr. Addona might order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI. These procedures provide high-quality images of your hard and soft tissues and can confirm a herniated disc.

How is a herniated disc treated?

Dr. Addona uses noninvasive and conservative measures of care to treat herniated discs. Often, healthy lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly are enough to ease uncomfortable symptoms and improve your mobility.

If your symptoms persist or get worse, Dr. Addona might recommend routine chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or at-home stretches and strengthening exercises. There’s also an on-site store that features topicals from Biofreeze –– a leading manufacturer of all-natural pain-relief solutions. 

To explore the various treatment options for a herniated disc, make an appointment at the practice of Mark Addona, DC, by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.