Herniated disc is when the soft inside of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the tough outer part. This can cause pain and problems if it puts pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. It can happen in the low back, mid back, or neck. If this occurs in the mid back, it is rare but can be more serious because there is less space in that part of the spine. However, this condition can be treated.
The way a disc herniation is treated depends on how severe symptoms are and how they progress over time. For most people, symptoms will go away completely within several weeks to months. During this time, it is usually recommended to rest, take anti-inflammatory medication and do physical therapy. However, if symptoms continue to worsen, or if neurological symptoms appear, surgery may be necessary.
The most common procedure for treating a lumbar herniation is called a laminectomy and discectomy. During this procedure, a neurosurgeon will access the spinal canal and remove the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve roots or spinal cord.
