Herniated Disc Specialist
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Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco
Board Certified Interventional Pain Management Physician located in Frisco, TX
Most people associate herniated discs with getting older, yet this condition most often occurs in patients aged 35-55. If you struggle with a herniated disc, interventional treatment from S. Justin Badiyan, MD, at Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco may provide the relief you need. Dr. Badiyan has extensive experience performing minimally invasive procedures that target the cause of your symptoms, helping you return to an active life. To learn more about your herniated disc treatment options, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or schedule an appointment online.
Herniated Disc Q & A
What is a herniated disc?
The discs between each vertebra have a gel-like center that’s enclosed by a strong outer covering. Thanks to their design, discs cushion the vertebrae, absorb shock when you move, and help stabilize your spine.
Over time, the discs naturally dehydrate and weaken from daily wear-and-tear. When an area of the outer cover is too weak or becomes damaged due to an injury, pressure from the spine pushes the gel-like center through the weak area.
Sometimes the disc only bulges out between the discs. However, the outer cover can rupture, allowing the inner material to leak out or herniate.
What symptoms develop due to a herniated disc?
Symptoms develop when the bulging disc presses against spinal nerves or when the inner material leaks out and irritates the nerves because of herniation. A herniated disc may occur in your lower back or neck, causing symptoms such as:
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Sudden electric-shock pain
- Cramping or muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Muscle weakness in your arms or legs
If the disc becomes flat, you can develop spinal instability.
How do interventional pain specialists treat a herniated disc?
When you can’t get pain relief from other types of conservative medical care, interventional therapies are the next step to consider. Dr. Badiyan at Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco chooses from many interventional treatments to develop customized treatment for each patient.
The following are a few examples of minimally invasive procedures Dr. Badiyan often uses for a herniated disc.
Selective nerve root blocks
Dr. Badiyan performs an image-guided injection, releasing a local anesthetic and steroid around the nerves affected by the herniated disc. The medication stops the nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.
Epidural steroid injections
Epidural steroid injections also use imaging to guide needle placement and ensure the medication is placed near the affected nerves and in the epidural space along your spine. Within the epidural space, the medication freely flows around the nerves, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.
Vertiflex® Superion® Indirect Decompression System
The Vertiflex Superion is a small device that decompresses your spine and preserves spinal movement. With one small incision, and without cutting your muscles, Dr. Badiyan inserts the device between the vertebrae affected by the herniated disc. The Superion separates the vertebrae just enough to relieve pressure on the disc and nerves.
HF10™ spinal cord stimulation
After Dr. Badiyan implants wire leads and a tiny generator, the HF10 sends a small electrical pulse into the spinal cord, which calms the targeted nerves and blocks pain signals.
When you need relief from back or neck pain from a herniated disc, call Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco or schedule an appointment online.
