A Herniated Disc in the Neck Can Be Painful – Effective Treatment is Available in Rock Springs, WY
A herniated disc in the neck is a common condition that is sometimes painful. The spinal discs serve as shock-absorbing cushions between the vertebrae. Herniation occurs when the firm outer border of a disc breaks open, allowing some of its inner, gel-like material to seep out. Usually, the condition causes problems only if sensitive nerve tissue is irritated or pressured by the escaped disc material. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a herniated disc, such as neck pain or tingling sensations in your arms and hands, you are encouraged to contact Teton Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation with an experienced spine specialist in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
At Teton Orthopaedics, we emphasize nonsurgical treatment whenever possible, reserving surgery as a last resort treatment for very severe or chronic symptoms. In our experience, most painful episodes resolve either on their own or with a few weeks of conservative treatment. If treatment is necessary for a herniated disc in the neck, the goal is usually to address persistent pain. Some options that we might recommend include:
- Physical therapy or targeted exercises designed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve root
- Medications, such as pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation
- Epidural steroid injections to address moderate pain and swelling
In the rare instance that a patient’s symptoms continue or worsen after several weeks of conservative treatment, the fellowship-trained spine surgeons at Teton Orthopaedics in Rock Springs, WY, may recommend a surgical procedure, such as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or a cervical spinal fusion. We offer a variety of advanced techniques, including minimally invasive outpatient spine procedures. In addition to herniated discs, we also treat degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal fractures, and spondylolisthesis.
To learn more about treatment options for a herniated disc in the neck, residents of Rock Springs, WY, can contact Teton Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced spine specialists.