What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc (called the nucleus) pushes through a weakened or damaged area in the disc's outer layer (the annulus). Spinal discs provide support for the body by acting as cushions between the vertebrae, so when any part of them starts to shift outward, it can irritate nearby nerves or create inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Herniated discs most commonly develop in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back), since these areas experience the greatest amount of movement and mechanical stress. The condition may happen as a result of a sudden injury, heavy lifting, repetitive strain, or age-related degeneration that weakens the disc over time.
A ruptured disc can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, and loss of control over bodily functions in more extreme cases. If you're experiencing discomfort as a result of a disc herniation, the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care is here to help. Our team, led by interventional orthopedist Dr. Mairin Jerome, specializes in nonsurgical treatments to help restore stability and ease inflammation. Contact our practice in Atlanta, GA today to learn more about managing a herniated disc.
How Do You Treat a Herniated Disc?
Herniated discs are typically diagnosed with a thorough physical exam and imaging studies to identify areas of the spine that are experiencing abnormal pressure. Once Dr. Jerome has identified the source of your discomfort, she can work with you to build a personalized treatment plan to help reduce irritation and improve spinal support.
Treatment for a herniated disc at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care generally starts with physical therapy and home instructions to relieve pain and pressure. For more support, Dr. Jerome may recommend shockwave therapy or prolotherapy injections to stimulate blood flow and tissue repair, orthobiologic injections to encourage your body's natural recovery processes, or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle knots and other secondary symptoms. If nerve compression is an issue, she may also perform minimally invasive hydrodissection to release the nerve. Before moving forward with any treatment, Dr. Jerome will review the benefits and what you can expect to help you make the most informed decision for your health.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc can be a serious issue, but they're often manageable with nonsurgical care. At the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, we take a focused approach to disc herniation aimed at helping Atlanta, GA patients reduce pain, restore movement, and return to daily life with less irritation and better long-term function. The benefits of our herniated disc treatments include:
- Reducing pressure and irritation affecting nearby spinal nerves
- Relieving radiating pain, numbness, or tingling traveling into the arms or legs
- Improving comfort during sitting, standing, bending, and walking
- Restoring more natural spinal movement
- Reducing muscle spasms and tension around the injured disc
- Supporting better spinal stability and posture during daily activity
- Improving strength and coordination in areas affected by nerve irritation
- Decreasing the likelihood of recurring flare-ups caused by poor movement mechanics
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Nonsurgical Treatment for Herniated Discs
Not every herniated disc causes severe pain, which is why it's important to reach out to the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care if you've noticed any bulges or changes in your spine. With proper care, you can restore spinal stability and keep symptoms from worsening. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome at our Atlanta, GA practice to learn more about our approach to disc herniation.