Signs You May Have a Herniated Disc and How Disc-FX Can Help

Pinched, ruptured, herniated — no matter the word, when one of the discs along your spine is compromised, it can lead to local and radiating symptoms that put a serious damper on your ability to move without pain or discomfort.

At Comprehensive Pain Management, our team, which is led by Drs. Do Chan and Boris Shwartzman, has extensive experience in helping our patients overcome both acute and chronic pain. When it comes to the pain and discomfort that accompanies a herniated disc, we’re pleased to offer a cutting-edge technology called Disc-FX®, a minimally invasive procedure that quickly restores your ability to move freely again.

Here’s a look at the top signs that you may have a herniated disc and how we can remedy the problem with our innovative Disc-FX system.

Knowing the signs of a herniated disc

Your spine is made up of vertebrae that stretch from the base of your head to your pelvis. Separating most of these vertebrae are spinal discs, which provide your spine with critical cushioning, support, and range of motion. 

Each of your discs is made up of a tough exterior that houses a soft, jelly-like substance on the inside, which is what provides the cushioning and support. It’s this same substance that can create problems when the exterior of your disc herniates or ruptures, allowing the nucleus of your dics to leak out and irritate one of the many sensitive nerve roots that branch our from your spine.

Herniated discs often occur in areas where your spine enjoys the most movement — namely your neck and lower back. A herniated disc in your lower back can lead to symptoms that are unique to this condition and include:

• Local pain
• Pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down one of your legs
• Muscle weakness in your legs

The severity and scope of these symptoms depend upon which nerve is affected by the herniated disc, but it’s not uncommon for symptoms to travel down into your lower extremities, usually on just one side.

A herniated disc in your neck leads to the same symptoms, except they may travel down into your arms.

Disc-FX to the rescue

If we diagnose you with a herniated disc, we typically start out conservatively with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. If your symptoms persist, we may recommend a surgical approach to remedy the problem, once and for all.

While no one particularly likes the thought of surgery, we’re pleased to offer the very latest in minimally invasive technology — Disc-FX. With Disc-FX, we gain access to the compromised disc using only a very small incision through which we insert a hollow needle. Using this conduit, we’re able to thread specialized instruments into the area that allow us to accomplish a number of different objectives:

• Better visualize the area using an endoscope (tiny camera)
• Decompress your compromised nerve root
• Seal tears in the exterior of your disc
• Denervate pain receptors in the exterior of your disc

One of the keys to the Disc-FX technology is its patented Trigger-Flex® device, which allows us to deliver radiowave energy into your disc to destroy targeted tissue to decompress your nerve. 

Once we’re finished, we need only suture the small incision and apply a small bandage. 

Rest assured, we use local anesthesia during the procedure to ensure your comfort, and when we’re finished, you’re free to return home with full aftercare instructions.

If you’re struggling with a herniated disc that’s not responding to conservative treatments, contact one of our offices in Attleboro or Franklin, Massachusetts, as well as South Kingstown or Warwick, Rhode Island, to set up a consultation.