Cervical & Lumbar Disc Herniation

The discs of the spine are the structures between the vertebral bones that provide cushioning and allow for movement of the spine. A herniation refers to a protrusion of a portion of the disc from outside of its normal area. A herniation can occur for no particular reason, but sometimes is seen after heavy activity or trauma. When a disc herniates, it typically causes pain – either in the neck for cervical spine disc herniations, or lower back for lumbar disc herniations. When the herniation presses a nerve, it can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs. A neurosurgeon can often determine the general location of a disc herniation based on a person’s description of complaints, but often further testing such as a CT scan, myelogram or MRI is necessary. Most disc herniations will not require any surgical treatment and will improve with time, physical therapy or pain management. Disc herniations with persistent or severe symptoms are often best treated surgically.