Understanding Herniated Discs and Their Symptoms

Experiencing spine or back pain can be a daily challenge, affecting both mobility and quality of life. Herniated discs are a common culprit, where the spinal discs—natural cushions between the vertebrae—rupture or slip out of place, putting pressure on surrounding nerves and leading to persistent discomfort.

Typical symptoms include:

• Severe back or spine pain
• Radiating pain to the arms or legs
• Tingling or numbness
• Weakness in the affected area

These symptoms can severely impact your ability to enjoy life, leading many to think surgery is the only solution. However, at Performance Ortho in Somerset County, New Jersey, we specialize in non-surgical treatments that prioritize effective recovery without the risks and downtime of surgery.

Why Does a Herniated Disc Cause Pain?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in its tougher outer layer. Common causes include:

• Age-related degeneration: Over time, spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility, making them prone to rupture.
• Injury: Sudden trauma or repetitive strain can contribute to herniation.

While surgery has traditionally been the go-to solution for herniated discs, medical advancements have brought numerous non-surgical options to the forefront. Performance Ortho’s expert team provides state-of-the-art care designed to alleviate pain and restore mobility through these innovative techniques.

Effective Nonsurgical Treatments for Herniated Discs at Performance Ortho

At Performance Ortho, we offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s needs, allowing you to regain movement and relieve pain without surgery.

Physical Therapy

Our physical therapy program is personalized to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and teach proper posture to prevent further injury. Physical therapy can effectively reduce pain and promote healing, offering a powerful, non-invasive approach to managing herniated discs.

Epidural Steroid Injections

For those experiencing intense pain, epidural steroid injections target inflammation directly at the source, providing temporary relief that can support physical therapy and other rehabilitative efforts. This targeted approach helps patients reduce pain levels and engage more effectively in recovery and is commonly performed in our ambulatory surgical center under sedation.

Regenerative Medicine

Innovative treatments like adult stem cell therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy harness the body’s natural healing abilities to repair damaged tissue. By using regenerative cells from your own body, these treatments can help restore disc function and reduce inflammation:

• Stem Cell Therapy: By injecting harvested stem cells into the affected area, damaged tissue can regenerate, reducing pain and improving functionality.
• PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma, derived from your own blood, releases growth factors that promote natural tissue repair.

These therapies offer a compelling alternative for those aiming for long-term healing without surgery.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Using advanced spinal decompression technology, this non-invasive treatment gently stretches the spine to relieve nerve pressure caused by herniated discs. Our spinal decompression therapy can be a transformative option for patients seeking pain relief and increased mobility without the need for invasive procedures.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

While most herniated disc cases can be managed with non-surgical alternatives, surgery may be required in specific situations, such as:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Significant weakness in the legs or arms
• Inadequate pain relief after a comprehensive non-surgical treatment approach.

At Performance, our philosophy is to exhaust every possible non-surgical option before recommending surgery, ensuring patients have comprehensive, compassionate care at every step.

Why Choose Performance Ortho for Non-Surgical Spine Care?

Performance Ortho is committed to providing the best in orthopedic care, offering a unique, patient-centered approach that combines the latest non-surgical treatments with personalized treatment plans. Our Somerset County team of board-certified physicians and therapists is dedicated to restoring your mobility, easing your pain, and helping you get back to your life—without surgery.

Are you or a loved one suffering from a herniated disc and seeking non-surgical alternatives? Contact Performance Ortho in Somerset County, NJ, today. Our compassionate and expert team is here to guide you through every step of your journey to pain relief. Don’t let back pain hold you back—reclaim your quality of life with innovative, effective care.