Are you experiencing neck pain, back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels into your arms or legs? A herniated disc may be putting pressure on the nearby nerves. At Grossman Spine, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Seth Grossman helps you find lasting relief through the least invasive, most effective treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Relieve Nerve Compression and Pain
Your spine contains cushioning discs that absorb shock and support movement between the vertebrae. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material pushes through the outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves. Herniated discs can develop in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) spine. Depending on the area, symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or discomfort that radiates into the arms or legs.
Signs & Symptoms of Herniated Discs:
- Neck, mid-back, or lower back pain that may worsen with certain movements
- Pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Muscle weakness that affects grip strength, walking, or lifting objects
- Sharp, burning, or electric shock-like pain along the affected nerve
- Pain that increases with coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting
- Difficulty standing, walking, or maintaining normal posture
- Reduced flexibility or limited range of motion in the spine
- Muscle spasms or stiffness around the affected area
- In severe cases, loss of bowel or bladder control (requires immediate medical attention)
Procedures for Herniated Discs
Dr. Grossman carefully evaluates the location of your herniated disc, the severity of nerve compression, your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals before recommending any treatment. Because every case is different, he creates a personalized plan to relieve pressure on affected nerves while preserving spinal function whenever possible. Depending on your condition, the following procedures may be recommended.
ACDF
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is often recommended for herniated discs in the neck that compress spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Using a small incision at the front of the neck, Dr. Grossman removes the damaged cervical disc to relieve pressure on nearby nerves. The empty disc space is then stabilized with a bone graft or spacer and secured with a small plate and screws, allowing the vertebrae to naturally fuse and stabilize over time.
Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement removes the damaged cervical disc and replaces it with an artificial implant that maintains movement between the vertebrae. This procedure preserves motion at the treated spinal level while relieving pressure on compressed nerves. Disc replacement may be an appropriate treatment option for carefully selected patients with cervical disc disease, helping restore function while potentially reducing stress on neighboring spinal segments.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy enlarges the natural opening, called the neural foramen, where spinal nerves exit the spine. Herniated disc material, bone spurs, or thickened tissues can narrow this area and compress nearby nerves. Dr. Grossman removes the tissue causing the blockage to create additional space around the affected nerve. This helps relieve radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness while preserving surrounding structures whenever possible.
Microdiscectomy/Lumbar Discectomy
Microdiscectomy, also called lumbar discectomy, is commonly performed for herniated discs in the lower back. Through a small incision, Dr. Grossman uses specialized instruments to remove the portion of the damaged disc pressing on a spinal nerve while preserving as much healthy disc tissue as possible. Relieving compression may reduce leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness while allowing surrounding tissues to heal with less disruption than open surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based care for patients with herniated discs. After evaluating your condition, he recommends the most appropriate treatments, always prioritizing conservative options whenever possible. Grossman Spine proudly serves patients throughout New Jersey. Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options for a herniated disc and take the first step toward lasting relief.
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