Herniated Discs
There are few avoidable medical conditions as incapacitating as a herniated disc. Not only are most of the causes preventable, but not getting treatment for a herniated disc can haunt you for your whole life. Your doctors at the Sports and Pain Institute of NY know how to fix a herniated disc, so don't wait for treatment.
Your spine is made up of 33 individual bones or vertebrae, held together by muscles and ligaments. Your spine encloses and protects your spinal cord, a long rope of nerves that execute the orders given by your brain. When everything's working correctly, you take it for granted.
Herniated Discs NYC — SPIN Sports Pain Specialists
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Herniated Discs: Anatomy of a Problem
The spinal vertebrae are separated by cushions called intervertebral discs. A spinal disc is an oval-shaped cushion with a soft center called the nucleus pulposus, surrounded by a tougher material called the annulus fibrosus. The disc operates like a shock absorber between two bones.
When the nucleus slips out into the annulus, or worse, past the boundary of the vertebral body, it's called a herniated disc. The unfortunate problem with a herniated disc is that symptoms often don't appear until the disc compresses one of the nerve bundles exiting the spinal cord.
Damaged Disc Causes
Age-related degeneration occurs as you grow older. Your discs become more brittle and susceptible to tears and ruptures, even from minor injuries. This is called disc degeneration and is commonly seen in older men.
The other cause of disc herniation is strain or trauma. Repetitive, excessive, or stressful movement of your spine — like heavy lifting or twisting and turning inappropriately — can damage one or more discs. Although rare, a fall or blow to your back can cause a herniated disc. Risk factors include:
Excess weight;
Physically demanding careers, including athletic careers;
Improper technique during exercise;
Poor nutrition;
Genetics.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Discs in your lower back are more vulnerable because they bear more of your weight, so herniated disc symptoms appear in your lower back or legs. If you have a herniated disc in your neck, the symptoms are in your shoulders and arms. The most common symptoms include:
The Right Diagnosis of Herniated Discs
Usually, a good medical history and a physical examination are enough to diagnose a herniated disc. Your physician knows how to look for herniated disc symptoms. A herniated disc in your lower back has different symptoms than a herniated disc in your neck.
The physical exam includes checking for tenderness in your back and putting your limbs into various positions to elicit specific clinical signs. You may require a neurological exam to test your gait, reflexes, power, and sensations of your affected limbs. This helps your NYC herniated disc specialist confirm the diagnosis.
Ready to find relief from herniated discs?
Dr. Melepura's Midtown Manhattan clinic offers same-day appointments for evaluation and treatment.
Herniated Disc Treatment in NYC
While an experienced sports medicine doctor knows how to fix a herniated disc, there's no specific cure for herniated discs. There are, however, many modalities of treatment for herniated discs, including:
Conservative therapy
Alternative options
Nerve block injections
Surgical procedures
Conservative treatment includes specific lifestyle changes, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and weight management. Physical therapy introduces you to helpful exercises and stretches, as well as applying heat and cold therapy. Injections work for mild cases, and surgery is an option for severe cases.
Get the Right Treatment for Herniated Disc
If you experience pain while your body's trying to heal, it takes longer to get better. So, relieving the pain is part of your overall treatment plan. Whether your doctor prescribes medication, steroid injections, or pain psychology, herniated disc treatment must include pain management.
With all of the herniated disc treatment modalities available at your New York City sports medicine practice, there's no reason to suffer. Even though there's no cure for herniated discs, you can be pain-free. Doctors at the Sports and Pain Institute of NY know how to fix a herniated disc, but keeping it from happening again lies with you. Stop the repetitive movement causing the problem and take better care of your back.
Real Stories from our Patients
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD
Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
Meet Dr. Febin Melepura — Your Herniated Disc Specialist in NYC
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and the founder of the Sports Pain Institute of New York. He completed his residency and fellowship training at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers.
He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine, and has treated more than 7,500 patients and performed over 5,250 procedures throughout his career. He has been named a Top Pain Management Doctor in New York and one of America's Top Doctors™ by Castle Connolly.
Dr. Melepura's approach to herniated discs is rooted in precision: identify the exact source, treat it with a targeted injection, and get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Same-day appointments available. Call (212) 621-7746 or book online.
What Our Herniated Disc Patients Say
"Able to make an appointment to see Dr. Melepura on short notice… attentive to my concerns… Jazmin was also very kind and helpful."
"Excellent hospitality, listener and explainer… highly recommend the doctor and the place."
"Dr. Melepura is the best! He worked with me to find the optimal solution to my shoulder pain while I was preparing for a fight!"
"Lovely, bright and modern… doctor and staff were kind… felt my concerns were heard."
"Helpful and friendly staff who gladly follows up with you if and when needed. Dr Melepura was very helpful and professional as well as provided me with excellent information and feedback."
"Dr Febin is fantastic! Highly recommend him and his practice the Spin clinic. The doctor is a good listener, kind, attentive and gave me great advice. "
"Dr.Melepura was very efficient and interpersonal, felt like he was understanding the problems I was having and explained the processes to take to rehabilitate. I would recommend."
"I felt listened to and truly understood by Dr. Melepura. Started PT the very next day. They were very friendly and I didn't feel rushed at all. Already recommended them to my friends who have or continue to play through pain."