Herniated (or slipped) discs are very common, especially among men and women over 30. Some slipped discs subside on their own within a few weeks; others cause severe numbness and pain that doesn’t go away without treatment. At Chronic Pain Relief in Dallas, pain management specialists Basem Abdelfattah, MD, and Ali Tareen, MD, help countless patients with slipped discs regain their mobility and become pain-free. To learn about the most advanced pain management options available, book your appointment today.
A chain of bones called vertebrae form the human spine. Between the vertebrae are soft, spinal discs that have a hard outer coating and a gel-like substance inside. These discs absorb shocks to the body during activities like jumping and running, and allow the spine to move in different directions.
A herniated disc is a spinal disc that has slipped or bulged out between the vertebrae. A herniated disc puts pressure on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain and other symptoms.
Risk factors for herniated discs include:
Some patients with herniated discs experience no symptoms at all, but for most people, a slipped or herniated disc causes some or all of the following:
Dr. Abdelfattah discusses your health history, symptoms, and diagnostic test results before determining if you have a herniated disc. A physical exam tells him where the pain is and what types of movement aggravate it. He also performs a neurological exam to assess your reflexes, muscle strength, and touch sensitivity.
Dr. Abdelfattah’s goal for patients with herniated discs is to avoid surgery whenever possible. In most cases, he can successfully treat your pain and other symptoms with a holistic approach that includes:
Typically, surgery is only necessary when additional conditions are present or noninvasive treatments are not effective at managing your pain.
As with all medical conditions, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pain management. Dr. Abdelfattah believes in treating the whole person, not just the physical source of their pain, for enduring relief and improved function and mobility.
Call or use the online tool to book your pain management consultation today.
