How to know when conservative treatment isn’t enough
Herniated discs are a common spine injury that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. In many cases, herniated discs respond well to conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or injections. But what happens when the pain doesn’t go away? How do you know when surgery is the right decision for a herniated disc?
At IMC Bone Doc, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and spine specialists provide personalized care for every patient. Whether you’re exploring non-surgical treatments or considering spine surgery, we’re here to help you understand your options and guide you toward lasting relief.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This bulge or rupture can press on nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as:
- Persistent back or neck pain
- Pain radiating into the arms or legs (sciatica)
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling or numbness
Not every herniated disc causes symptoms, and many people improve without surgery. However, when symptoms become severe or persist for an extended period, it may be time to consider more advanced treatment.
Signs you may need surgery
While most herniated discs improve with time, some situations may call for surgical intervention. You might need surgery for your herniated disc if:
- Conservative treatments haven’t worked: If physical therapy, medications, or injections haven't relieved your pain after several weeks or months.
- You have severe or worsening symptoms: Increasing numbness, weakness, or pain that interferes with daily life.
- You experience loss of bladder or bowel control: This is a symptom to look out for since it may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition that requires emergency surgery.
- You have difficulty standing, walking, or using your arms: Progressive neurological issues are a strong indication that surgery may be necessary.
Our orthopedic back specialists evaluate every case carefully to determine whether surgery is the safest and most effective option for you.
Types of herniated disc surgeries
If surgery is recommended, the goal is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and stabilize the spine. Common procedures include:
- Discectomy: The surgeon removes the portion of the herniated disc pressing on the nerve.
- Microdisectomy: A minimally invasive version of a discectomy, using smaller incisions and specialized tools to remove the herniated portion of the disc with less disruption to surrounding tissue.
- Laminectomy: A small section of bone is removed to create more space for the nerves.
- Spinal fusion: In some cases, the spine surgeon may fuse two or more vertebrae to provide long-term stability.
Trust the Experienced Surgeons at IMC Bone Doc
Whether you sustained a back injury at work, were injured in a car accident, or developed a herniated disc through another incident, you’re likely dealing with severe pain, reduced mobility, and ongoing stress that can affect every part of your daily life.
Deciding whether to have spine surgery is a major step, and you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. At IMC Bone Doc, our NYC orthopedic and spine surgeons offer honest guidance, advanced care, and a treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals.
If your injury happened on the job, we also handle all the workers’ compensation paperwork, so you can focus on healing instead of getting caught up in red tape.
If you’re struggling with herniated disc pain that isn’t improving, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you understand your options and take the next step toward recovery.
"Superb care! They went above and beyond to squeeze me in, and then were able to get me an appointment for an MRI pretty much immediately. I was in so much pain, but their attentiveness was speedy, and knowing they made easing my pain and getting me back on the road to wellness has been such a comfort. The staff was very nice. They were friendly and helpful." - Kay R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
