Herniated Disc

New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine

Pain Management & Sports Medicine located in Wesley Chapel, FL

Up to 20 in 1,000 adults annually develop a herniated disc, which can lead to sciatica and other often debilitating symptoms. At New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, Jose De La Torre, MD, offers treatments that ease the pain caused by disc herniation. Schedule an evaluation at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

813-820-6690

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc (soft jelly-like substance that protects the spine) leaks or tears because of age-related wear or an injury. This leak or tear can place pressure on spinal nerves, irritating them and contributing to sciatica (sciatic nerve pain) and other nerve pain. Your sciatic nerve runs from the lower part of your spine though each buttock and leg.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Disc herniation can cause the following symptoms:

Sharp or shooting pain
Back pain
Neck pain
Dull aching
Numbness
Tingling
Burning
Muscle weakness
Radiating or electric shock-like pain

Sciatica symptoms often affect just one side of your body. It’s vital to seek treatment to ease the discomfort and restore your quality of life.

What are the risk factors for a herniated disc?

Contributing factors to disc herniation and nerve pain include:

Sitting for extended periods
Sedentary lifestyle
Excess body weight
Diabetes
Heavy lifting using improper form
Twisting your back
Long periods of driving
Aging (being aged 30-50)
Falls
Car accidents and other traumatic injuries
Sports injuries
Physically demanding job
Repetitive twisting or bending motions
Connective tissue disorders
Smoking
Being male

Men are twice as likely as women to develop a herniated disc.

Sciatica often develops because of bone spurs or herniated discs that constrict the sciatic nerve and irritate it.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

Dr. De La Torre completes a physical evaluation and reviews your symptoms and medical history to determine the root cause of bothersome symptoms. He may order X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or nerve tests to determine the type and severity of your injury and how to best treat it.

How is a herniated disc treated?

New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine may suggest one or more of the following treatments for disc herniation and nerve pain (including sciatica discomfort):

Rest, ice, and heat packs
Over-the-counter medicines
Prescription medications
Physical therapy
Massage therapy
Spinal manipulation
Weight management
Nutrition education
Spinal injections (nerve blocks or corticosteroids)
Lifestyle changes

In severe cases, you may need herniated disc surgery to remove all or part of a damaged disc, disc replacement surgery, or other surgical procedures. However, nonsurgical treatments often resolve the problem in nine out of 10 cases.

It’s important to use proper lifting techniques, maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, stretch, eat healthy foods, not sit for long periods without breaks, avoid smoking, and use good posture to reduce the risk of further pain.

To relieve discomfort caused by a herniated disc or sciatica symptoms, schedule an evaluation at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine by phone or request one online today.