Disc herniation happens when your spinal discs, which provide cushioning between the vertebrae bones, become weak or damaged. Each disc has an inner layer called a nucleus, and an outer layer called an annulus, and a disc is herniated if part of the nucleus pushes out through the annulus and into the spinal canal.

Disc herniation doesn’t always cause symptoms, but if it does, it’s usually because the part of the nucleus in the spinal canal is placing pressure on a nerve or nerve root. The symptoms you feel depend on the disc’s location along the spine.

In some cases, disc herniation happens very quickly because of a single injury or strain. However, the majority of cases arise from disc degeneration as your discs naturally get weaker and more prone to herniation with age.

Most often, disc herniation happens in the neck or lower back. At The Neck and Back Institute of Florida, Dr. Creek offers insight into and treatment for:

• Cervical disc herniation

  • Cervical disc herniation happens in the cervical spine, which is in your neck. When cervical disc herniation compresses a nerve in your neck, it can result in radiating pain down your arms, through your hands, and into your fingers. You may also feel pain in your neck or between your shoulder blades.

• Lumbar disc herniation

  • Lumbar disc herniation happens in the lower portion of your back. Sometimes, lumbar disc herniation compresses the sciatic nerve. This nerve breaks into two and runs through your buttocks and down the backs of your leg. Possible symptoms of lumbar disc herniation include low back pain or radiating pain, or numbness down the legs.

At The Neck and Back Institute of Florida, Dr. Creek uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and other tests to locate and assess disc herniation in the cervical or lumbar spine. Initially, he uses non-surgical therapies to help control your symptoms, like physical therapy. However, he may move on to surgical procedures if you don’t get significant relief.

Surgical treatments for disc herniation at The Neck and Back Institute of Florida include:

• Minimally invasive discectomy

• Cervical or lumbar disc replacement

• Ultrasonic decompression

• Spinal fusion surgery

If you undergo a procedure for disc herniation at The Neck and Back Institute of Florida, Dr. Creek follows up with you and determines when you can get back to your normal level of activity after healing.