A herniated disc can significantly impact your quality of life, leading to chronic pain, discomfort, and a decrease in mobility. Understanding what herniated discs are, their causes, symptoms, and the available treatment options is the first step towards finding relief.
Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss, a triple board-certified expert at Alternative Disc Therapy, specializes in innovative treatments that offer patients a path to recovery without the need for invasive surgery.
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc happens when the soft jelly-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the disc’s tougher exterior. This can compress nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. Common causes of herniated discs include age-related wear and tear, lifting heavy objects improperly, obesity, smoking, and sudden traumatic injury.
More than 3 million herniated disc cases are reported each year in the United States. Herniated discs are more common in older adults, with 84 percent of disc bulges occurring in octogenarians. However, 30 percent of disc bulges are reported among individuals in their 20s. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, with the lower back (lumbar spine) being more common.
These statistics highlight the prevalence and impact of herniated disc cases in the U.S., emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies.
Herniated Disc Symptoms and Quality of Life
Herniated disc symptoms can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the herniation. Common symptoms include:
Pain and Discomfort
The most common symptom of a herniated disc is intense pain that radiates from the affected area. This pain can be sharp, shooting, or even burning, depending on the location of the herniation. Patients often experience discomfort that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
Numbness and Tingling Sensations
As the herniated disc puts pressure on the nerves, you may feel numbness or tingling sensations in the affected region. This can lead to a loss of sensation, making simple tasks challenging and affecting overall mobility.
Muscle Weakness
Herniated discs can cause weakness in the muscles associated with the affected nerves. You may have noticed a decrease in strength, coordination, or muscle control, impacting your ability to perform daily activities.
Limited Range of Motion
Due to pain and nerve compression, individuals with herniated discs may experience a restricted range of motion. Simple movements like bending, twisting, or lifting objects can become challenging and painful.
Radiating Pain
In some cases, the pain caused by a herniated disc can radiate down the arms or legs, following the path of the affected nerve. This can lead to additional discomfort and difficulties in performing tasks requiring fine motor skills.
Functional Impairments
The combination of pain, numbness, weakness, and limited mobility can result in significant functional impairments. You may have found it hard to work, exercise, or engage in social activities, leading to a decreased quality of life.
Emotional Impact
Chronic pain and physical limitations associated with herniated discs can take a toll on your mental well-being. Feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression are not uncommon among individuals dealing with this condition.
Traditional Treatment Options
Traditional treatments for herniated discs often start with conservative methods such as physical therapy, medications to relieve pain and inflammation, and, in some cases, injections. When these methods do not provide relief, surgery is often considered as a last resort. However, regenerative medicine offers a safe and effective non-surgical alternative.
Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss’ Approach to Herniated Disc Treatment
Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss at Alternative Disc Therapy offers a different approach to treating herniated discs, focusing on minimally invasive and nonsurgical methods that promote the body’s natural healing processes.
One of the innovative treatments Dr. Bleiweiss specializes in is ozone disc injection therapy. In fact, Dr. Bleiweiss pioneered the procedure in North America. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, he is considered one of the leading authorities on regenerative medicine and pain management. Dr. Bleiweiss’ expertise in treating herniated discs has helped many patients find relief and improve their quality of life.
This cutting-edge treatment involves the injection of a mixture of ozone and oxygen into the herniated disc which promotes disc hydration and even causes the herniated portion of the disc to shrink. This can lead to significant pain relief and enhanced disc healing. This is a same day outpatient procedure that is performed with fluoroscopic guidance at a surgery center with local anesthesia and mild sedation.
Dr. Bleiweiss also offers stem cell therapy as a treatment option for herniated discs. This regenerative medicine technique harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities by using the patient’s own autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells to promote tissue repair and regeneration in the affected disc area.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Determining the best treatment option for a herniated disc depends on several factors, including the severity of the herniation, the specific symptoms experienced, and the patient’s overall health. Dr. Bleiweiss takes a personalized approach to each patient’s care, conducting thorough evaluations to recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Herniated Disc Treatments in Caldwell, New Jersey
Finding the right treatment for herniated disc symptoms can transform your life. With Dr. Bleiweiss’ expertise and commitment to minimally invasive healing methods, a pain-free future is within reach.
If you are struggling with the symptoms of a herniated disc, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss and the team at Alternative Disc Therapy are dedicated to helping patients find relief and improve their quality of life through innovative, non-surgical treatments.
To learn more about your treatment options and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bleiweiss, please contact Alternative Disc Therapy today at (973) 403-3334. You can also use our Request an Appointment form to request your visit. Take the first step towards finding relief and restoring your quality of life.
