Herniated Disc Treatment in St. Louis
A herniated disc is a common medical condition that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg. It can be debilitating and difficult to manage without proper treatment.
Dr. Benjamin Crane is a leading provider of herniated disc treatment in St. Louis. With his expertise, he can help reduce pain, improve function, and get you back to life as usual. Request an appointment today to learn more about herniated disc treatment in St. Louis.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in your spine is damaged and begins to bulge out. Herniated discs cause nerve irritation, which leads to pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg. Age-related degeneration or injury can also cause herniated discs.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on its location in the spine and the extent of the rupture. Most manifest in the lower back, often leading to buttock, leg, and foot pain, numbness or weakness. Herniated discs can also occur in the neck, causing symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
While some herniated discs may be asymptomatic, where the individual is unaware, others can result in the following:
- Intense pain
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Weakness
If you experience these symptoms, seeking medical attention is essential. If left untreated, it can lead to persistent pain, numbness and weakness. Dr. Benjamin Crane, an orthopedic spine surgeon in St. Louis, can diagnose and treat a herniated disc so you can enjoy lasting relief from pain and discomfort.
Causes of Herniated Discs
A variety of factors can cause herniated discs, including:
- Weight: Having excess body weight puts additional strain on the discs in the lower back.
- Occupation: Individuals with physically demanding jobs face a higher risk of back problems. Activities involving repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways, and twisting can also increase the chances of a herniated disc.
- Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to developing the condition.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is believed to reduce oxygen supply to spinal discs, leading to deterioration.
- Frequent driving: Prolonged periods of sitting in the car combined with the vibration from its engine can exert excess pressure on the spine.
- Being sedentary: Regular exercise can be a preventive measure against a herniated disc.
Diagnosis
Dr. Crane will take your history and perform a physical examination to test your reflexes, muscle strength, walking proficiency, and sensitivity to light touches, pinpricks, or vibration. Additionally, he will review your medical history. MRIs or CT scans may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
Herniated Disc Treatment Options
After receiving a diagnosis, Dr. Crane will create a personalized treatment plan to help reduce your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and make recovery time as short as possible.
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy are the first-line treatment for this problem. Patients who don’t find sufficient relief with NSAIDs and physical therapy may be prescribed corticosteroid injections.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can treat a herniated disc by enhancing mobility, strengthening the muscles around the spine, and reducing pain. Dr. Crane personalizes your treatment plan, including stretching, aerobic conditioning, or targeted exercises, according to your needs.
Physical therapy helps alleviate nerve pressure caused by the herniated disc and boosts overall function. It can also help with postural corrections and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for long-term spine health.
Surgery
If medications, physical therapy, and steroid injections do not relieve your pain, Dr. Crane may recommend surgery. He would remove part of the herniated disc pressing against a nerve during the procedure, providing long-term relief from its discomfort.
Why Choose Our Orthopedic Surgeon for Herniated Disc Treatment?
Dr. Benjamin Crane is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon providing leading herniated disc treatment in St. Louis. For over fifteen years, he has specialized in minimally invasive procedures and services and utilized the latest technology to help patients find relief from pain.
Dr. Crane prides himself on running a practice of the highest integrity. He prioritizes every patient and creates personalized treatment plans for their journey back to wellness. His unwavering commitment lies in enabling individuals to return to their day-to-day activities.
Get Industry-Leading Herniated Disc Treatment in St. Louis
If you’re seeking a skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeon, look no further than Dr. Benjamin Crane. He will work with you to create a plan that treats your condition appropriately and efficiently. Contact one of our office locations today to learn more about herniated disc treatment in St. Louis!
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