Herniated Disc Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

A herniated disc happens when the soft inner nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear in the tougher outer annulus fibrosus. The displaced material can irritate a nearby nerve root and cause pain, numbness or weakness in the back, neck, arm or leg.

A bulging disc extends past its normal edge but its outer ring stays intact. In a herniated disc, inner material breaks through the outer ring. Bulges are common on MRI in people without symptoms, so findings are matched to your exam.

Many do improve. A 2015 meta-analysis found that about two-thirds of disc herniations showed spontaneous regression, and many people improve with conservative care. Get evaluated if pain is severe or not improving, and go to the ER for red-flag symptoms.

Muscle strain, facet joint pain, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis and peripheral nerve problems can cause similar pain. A neurological exam, and sometimes EMG/NCV or imaging, helps tell them apart.

Heavy lifting, bending and twisting under load, and sitting for long periods often make symptoms worse. Long bed rest is usually not helpful. Your provider will give you activity guidance based on your exam.

Usually, yes. Gentle walking is often encouraged because it keeps you moving without heavy spinal load. Stop and get checked if walking brings on worsening weakness or numbness.

Many people start with a clinic that can do a neurological exam and conservative care. At East Coast Injury Clinic, MDs, APRNs, chiropractors and physical therapists work together, EMG/NCV is available in-house, and we refer to a visiting interventional pain physician or a spine surgeon when your exam calls for it.

Surgery is generally considered for persistent, disabling nerve pain that does not improve with conservative care, or for worsening weakness or other progressive neurological deficits. Loss of bladder or bowel control is an emergency.

Soft-tissue work may ease the muscle spasm and guarding that often come with a disc injury, but it does not repair or reposition the disc. Florida PIP does not pay for massage therapy.

Many people are more comfortable on their back with a pillow under the knees, or on their side with a pillow between the knees. These positions help keep the spine in a more neutral position.

Yes. The forces in a crash can injure a disc in the neck or lower back, and symptoms may take hours or days to appear. For Florida PIP to pay medical benefits, initial care must begin within 14 days of the accident. See our car accident injury clinic page.

Yes, it can. A hard fall onto your back or buttocks can put sudden pressure on a disc and may tear its outer ring, especially if the disc has already been weakened by age-related wear. Back, leg or arm pain, numbness or weakness can start right away or over the next few days. Go to the ER or call 911 if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or leg weakness that is getting worse after a fall.

Lift with your legs, keep loads close to your body and avoid twisting while you lift. Stay active with low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming, build core and hip strength, set up your workstation so you can change positions often, and avoid smoking. These steps may lower your risk, but they cannot prevent every disc injury.

Most injury care at East Coast Injury Clinic is covered through one of four paths: auto insurance PIP after a car accident, a personal injury attorney’s Letter of Protection, state workers’ compensation for a work injury, or federal workers’ compensation (OWCP or Longshore) if you are a federal or maritime employee. We also see patients under Medicare, Tricare, VA Community Care, and a limited number of private plans. Our front desk verifies coverage before your first visit and explains exactly what is and is not covered for your specific case, so there are no surprises. Call 904-513-3954 or visit eastcoastinjury.com to start.