Degenerated and Herniated Discs in Valencia & Encino

Degenerated and herniated discs can cause significant pain and disrupt your daily life, but with the right care and treatment, you can find relief. At California Neurosurgical Institute, our skilled team of neurosurgeons offers a range of solutions to help you overcome the challenges of disc problems and get back to living your life comfortably.

Definition of Terms

Degenerated Discs can be seen in the aging spine and occur when the discs between your vertebrae lose their flexibility, elasticity, and cushioning. The condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Herniated Discs, also known as slipped or ruptured discs, occur when the inner gel-like substance of a disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer. When this happens, it puts pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness if the herniation affects the nerves that travel to your arms or legs.

Common Symptoms of Disc Problems

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the disc issue:

Dull or Sharp Back Pain: Degenerated discs often cause persistent back pain that can be dull or sharp. Herniated discs can cause intense pain that may radiate to other parts of your body.
Nerve Pain: If a herniated disc presses on a nerve, you might experience pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down your arms or legs, depending on the affected area.
Weakness: Pressure on nerves can lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like lifting, walking, or standing.

While some people experience only mild symptoms, others may suffer from more severe pain that interferes with daily activities. If your pain has persisted for more than six months, seeking a professional evaluation at California Neurosurgical Institute is essential.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Degenerated and Herniated Discs

At California Neurosurgical Institute, our first approach is to explore non-surgical options. Many patients find relief from symptoms through a combination of the following:

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate your pain while gradually reintroducing gentle movements can be beneficial.
Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on your discs.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants can help manage pain and inflammation.
Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections can reduce inflammation around the affected nerves, providing pain relief that allows you to participate more fully in physical therapy.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or ice packs can help ease pain and reduce muscle tension.

Surgery Solutions

Our experienced neurosurgical team specializes in the latest, minimally invasive techniques to treat herniated discs. Here are some of the key procedures offered at California Neurosurgical Institute:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): In this procedure, a damaged cervical disc is removed through a small incision in the front of the neck, and the bones above and below the removed disc are fused together. This surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day and experience a rapid recovery.
Artificial Disc Replacement: Instead of fusing the bones, this surgery involves replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one that mimics the natural movement of your spine. This procedure often results in fewer complications and preserves more of your natural movement compared to traditional fusion.
Corpectomy: For more extensive issues, such as when spinal compression affects both discs and vertebrae, a corpectomy may be recommended. This procedure removes the damaged disc and bone and replaces them with an expandable device, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Spinal Decompression (Laminotomy or Laminectomy): These procedures involve removing part of the vertebra, known as the lamina, to create more space in the spinal canal and relieve nerve pressure. Laminotomy removes only a portion of the lamina, while laminectomy removes a larger section, depending on the severity of the compression.
Posterior Fusion: This procedure involves fusing the vertebrae from the back of the spine using bone grafts or metal implants to stabilize the spine and prevent movement that could worsen nerve pain.

Personalized Care at California Neurosurgical Institute

At California Neurosurgical Institute, we believe every patient deserves a personalized approach to their care. Our neurosurgical team works closely with you to determine the ideal treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, health history, and lifestyle needs. Whether your condition can be managed with conservative treatments or requires surgical intervention, our goal is to help you achieve the most favorable outcome with the least disruption to your life.