Herniated Disc Treatments in Northern New Jersey
More than an isolated injury, a herniated disc can affect multiple areas of the body and prevent you from working and enjoying the activities you love. At Bergen Pain Management, Dr. Thomas Ragukonis can help you manage your pain at one of our locations in Paramus, West New York, Union, Berkely Heights, and Madison, New Jersey. A board-certified, award-winning healthcare professional, Dr. Ragukonis is an expert in disc herniations and the cutting-edge treatments that can help you find relief.
What Is A Herniated Disc?
The flexible discs that sit between the vertebrae absorb shock and allow the body to comfortably twist and bend. If the center of one of these soft discs pushes through the outer wall, this is known as a herniated disc. The bulge presses against the nerves in your spine, causing back pain, limiting motion, and resulting in peripheral neuralgia (nerve damage) along correlating areas of the body.
The location of your herniated disc directly relates to the body parts affected. Areas of the spine most often afflicted by this condition include the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), and lumbar (lower) regions. The way herniated discs in each area may impact mobility include:
Cervical Disc Herniation
The cervical spine (C1 through C7) is the part of the vertebrae at the top of the spine. Cervical disc herniation in this area often affects the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Thoracic Disc Herniation
The thoracic spine (T1 through T12) is the middle part of the vertebrae. Thoracic disc herniation often affects the back, chest, and abdomen.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
The lumbar spine (L1 through L5) is part of the lower portion of the vertebrae. Lumbar disc herniation often affects the buttocks, legs, and feet.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
A herniated disc can occur in an instant. From heavy lifting on the job to sudden twists in motion while playing sports, there are many causes for herniated discs. The symptoms of this condition depend on the location of the affected disc(s) and the severity of the damage. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty turning the head or bending the neck
- Radiating back pain
- Burning, tingling, and numbing sensations in extremities
- Muscle weakness, possibly affecting grip strength
- Myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction)
- Sciatica
Herniated Disc Treatment Options At Bergen Pain Management
We focus on individualized patient care, helping you understand your condition, treatment options, and possible outcomes. To minimize back pain and discomfort, Dr. Ragukonis offers several advanced treatments for herniated discs. Some of the options for patients may include:
- Physical therapy
- Conservative pain relief
- Epidural steroid injections
- Endoscopic decompression
- Endoscopic discectomy
- Endoscopic foraminotomy
Recognized for his exceptional performance as a medical professional and compassionate bedside manner, Dr. Ragukonis will help you feel at ease from the first consultation to the final treatment. The combination of advanced diagnostic methods and personalized treatments help ensure you’ll receive a higher standard of care.