Especialista em hernia de disco is a doctor who treats patients with back pain caused by herniated discs in the lumbar spine or neck pain (cervical spine) caused by herniated cervical disks. A herniated disc is a condition in which the harder outside fibers of a spinal disk break down and the softer inner gel ruptures out of its normal space. This herniated disc can then press against the spine or nerves, causing pain and weakness.

What a Disc Herniation Specialist Can Do for Your Spine Health

In most cases, herniated discs get better with nonsurgical treatment for 9 out of 10 people. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms, perform a physical exam and do imaging tests to help determine what’s causing them. These may include an X-ray, MRI scan, or a CT scan. You might also have an EMG/nerve test to see how your spinal nerves are functioning and if there is any muscle weakness.

Your healthcare professional may prescribe pain medicines to control your pain. These may include anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers to decrease pain, swelling and spasms. For severe pain, your healthcare professional might also prescribe short-term use of opioids, such as codeine or oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet). These can cause side effects such as dizziness, sedation and constipation.

If your herniated disc is causing serious problems, your healthcare provider might recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on your spinal nerves and spinal cord. There are multiple surgical techniques, but they all focus on removing the herniated part of the disc and relieving pressure on nerves. The surgeon might also fuse the vertebrae together if it’s needed.