A herniated disc is not a broken back, and most of them settle. What matters is whether a nerve is being compressed and how much.
What it is
Each disc has a tough outer wall (the annulus) and a gel-like centre (the nucleus). A herniation is the centre pushing through a tear in the wall.
Radiologists use several words for degrees of this — bulge, protrusion, extrusion, sequestration. They are not interchangeable, and the difference matters. See disc bulge versus herniation.
How it usually presents
- Back or neck pain, often with a distinct ‘give way’ moment.
- Radiating pain into an arm or leg, depending on level.
- Numbness or weakness in the territory of one nerve root.
- Worse with sitting, bending and coughing.
How we treat it
- Confirm which root is involved and whether the deficit is progressing.
- Epidural steroid injection to reduce the inflammation around the root — this treats the chemical irritation, which is often the larger part of the pain.
- Physical therapy as symptoms allow.
- Referral for surgical opinion where weakness progresses or conservative care fails.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment. If this began with a crash or a fall, see accident and injury care.
Common questions
Does a herniated disc need surgery?
Usually not. Most improve without it. Surgery becomes the right answer for progressive neurological deficit or intractable pain after proper conservative treatment.
Can a herniated disc heal?
Yes — herniated material frequently shrinks over months, and larger extrusions often resorb more completely than small bulges.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Or text (314) 886-5902 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.