Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc may cause back or neck pain, sometimes with radiating nerve symptoms. Learn about evaluation and options with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is when the soft cushion between two back bones pushes out and may press on a nearby nerve. It can cause back pain, plus pain, numbness or weakness in a leg or arm. Many herniated discs improve over weeks to months with rehab. Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, may add an ultrasound-guided or image-guided injection when pain keeps you from progressing. Weakness that is getting worse, or loss of bladder or bowel control, needs urgent care.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Back and spine condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is a herniated disc treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland first determines whether the disc finding matches the symptoms and whether pain arises from the disc, an irritated nerve root, or another structure. Orthobiologic injections such as PRP treatment may be discussed only for selected diagnoses; they are not an established cure for every herniated disc or compressed nerve.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Many cases are managed initially with guided physical therapy, staying active within tolerance, gradual strengthening, activity modification, and appropriate medication. Imaging is interpreted alongside the examination because disc findings can occur in people without pain.

When other care may be needed: Progressive weakness, numbness in the saddle region, or bladder/bowel changes need emergency assessment. Persistent radiating pain or neurologic loss may require spine-specialist evaluation.

Common questions

Questions about herniated disc

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened outer layer. It can develop from age-related wear, repetitive strain, or a sudden load, and may irritate a nearby nerve.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Symptoms can include localized back or neck pain, or pain, numbness, and tingling that travels into an arm or leg. Some people have no symptoms. New weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, requires urgent medical attention.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for a herniated disc?

Most disc herniations improve over weeks to months with activity modification, physical therapy, and symptom-directed care. Image-guided injections may be considered for persistent nerve pain. Surgery is generally reserved for progressive neurologic deficits or unrelenting symptoms.

What regenerative options may help a herniated disc?

Regenerative options are sometimes used to address pain from the surrounding joints and ligaments, or to calm irritated nerves with hydrodissection. Evidence for directly repairing a disc is limited, so expectations are discussed openly at your consultation.