A herniated disc occurs when one of the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or bulges outward. The disc material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine).
Dr. Ammar Hawasli is a board-certified neurosurgeon in Kansas City who evaluates and treats patients with herniated discs affecting the spine.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Symptoms depend on the location of the disc herniation and the nerve involved.
Common symptoms include:
• Pain in the lower back or neck
• Pain radiating down the arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, leg, or foot
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty standing or walking due to nerve pain
In the lower back, a herniated disc may cause sciatica, a condition where pain radiates down the leg along the sciatic nerve.
Causes of Disc Herniation
Disc herniations often occur as a result of degenerative changes in the spine over time.
Common causes include:
• Age-related disc degeneration
• Repetitive strain on the spine
• Sudden lifting injuries
• Traumatic injury
• Genetic predisposition
Many patients develop symptoms gradually as the disc weakens.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically includes:
• Neurological examination
• MRI imaging of the spine
• CT scans in certain cases
MRI is the most useful imaging study because it allows detailed visualization of the discs and nerves.
Treatment of Herniated Discs
Many herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatment.
Initial treatments may include:
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Epidural steroid injections
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist or when there is progressive neurological weakness.
Herniated Disc Surgery
When surgery is necessary, the most common procedure is a microdiscectomy, which removes the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve.
Microdiscectomy is typically performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to relieve nerve pressure while preserving surrounding structures.
Surgery may be recommended when:
• Severe nerve pain persists despite conservative treatment
• Weakness develops in the arm or leg
• Symptoms significantly limit daily activities
Many patients experience significant relief of leg or arm pain following surgery.
Consultation for Herniated Disc Evaluation
Patients experiencing persistent back pain, neck pain, or nerve symptoms strongly benefit from evaluation by a spine specialist.
Dr. Hawasli evaluates patients with herniated discs and provides surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Schedule a Spine Consultation
New patients are typically evaluated directly by Dr. Hawasli, with appointments often available within one week.
Call: 816-471-8114
Or request an appointment using the contact form below.
Dr. Ammar Hawasli is a board-certified neurosurgeon in Kansas City who evaluates and treats patients with herniated discs affecting the spine.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Symptoms depend on the location of the disc herniation and the nerve involved.
Common symptoms include:
• Pain in the lower back or neck
• Pain radiating down the arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, leg, or foot
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty standing or walking due to nerve pain
In the lower back, a herniated disc may cause sciatica, a condition where pain radiates down the leg along the sciatic nerve.
Causes of Disc Herniation
Disc herniations often occur as a result of degenerative changes in the spine over time.
Common causes include:
• Age-related disc degeneration
• Repetitive strain on the spine
• Sudden lifting injuries
• Traumatic injury
• Genetic predisposition
Many patients develop symptoms gradually as the disc weakens.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically includes:
• Neurological examination
• MRI imaging of the spine
• CT scans in certain cases
MRI is the most useful imaging study because it allows detailed visualization of the discs and nerves.
Treatment of Herniated Discs
Many herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatment.
Initial treatments may include:
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Epidural steroid injections
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist or when there is progressive neurological weakness.
Herniated Disc Surgery
When surgery is necessary, the most common procedure is a microdiscectomy, which removes the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve.
Microdiscectomy is typically performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to relieve nerve pressure while preserving surrounding structures.
Surgery may be recommended when:
• Severe nerve pain persists despite conservative treatment
• Weakness develops in the arm or leg
• Symptoms significantly limit daily activities
Many patients experience significant relief of leg or arm pain following surgery.
Consultation for Herniated Disc Evaluation
Patients experiencing persistent back pain, neck pain, or nerve symptoms strongly benefit from evaluation by a spine specialist.
Dr. Hawasli evaluates patients with herniated discs and provides surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Schedule a Spine Consultation
New patients are typically evaluated directly by Dr. Hawasli, with appointments often available within one week.
Call: 816-471-8114
Or request an appointment using the contact form below.
