When Is Surgery Necessary for a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, commonly known as a bulging or slipped disc, is a painful and often debilitating condition. There are treatment options to help relieve pain, and one of them is surgery. It’s helpful to know when surgery might be necessary. Spinal surgeon Dr. Craig Callewart provides a wide range of spinal care services, including herniated disc treatment. He has three convenient office locations in Dallas, Forney, and Rockwall, TX.

What You Need To Know About a Herniated Disc

Spinal discs are the structures that sit between the vertebrae. They work as cushions to absorb shock and protect your spine. When one of these discs is out of place, it can cause pressure on spinal nerves, leading to pain. Spinal pain from a herniated disc can be severe, affecting your quality of life.

You are at increased risk of developing a herniated disc if you:

• Carry excess weight
• Have a job that requires you to lift heavy objects
• Remain in a seated position for extended periods of time

You can have a herniated disc and not know it because you may not experience symptoms. If you do have symptoms, conservative treatments, including physical therapy and steroid injections, are often tried first. If these methods don’t achieve pain relief, your spinal surgeon may recommend surgery, known as a diskectomy. Surgery may also be indicated if you are experiencing:

• Severe lower back pain or severe pain in your legs
• Severe pain in your shoulder or severe pain in your arm
• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
• Nerve weakness, which is causing difficulty standing or walking

Want To Know More About Treatment of a Herniated Disc?

Talk with an expert to learn more about treating a herniated disc and when to consider surgery. Call spinal surgeon Dr. Craig Callewart. You can reach him at any of his three locations, Dallas, Forney, and Rockwall, TX, by calling (214) 271-4585, so call today.