Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc Treatment in Brooklyn, NY
A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes or leaks through its outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves. Because symptoms can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the herniation, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, herniated discs are evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.
Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine and nerve care.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
An intervertebral disc acts as a cushion between the bones of the spine. A herniated disc—sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the disc’s inner material pushes through a weakened area of the outer layer. This can place pressure on nearby nerve roots and lead to pain, numbness, or weakness.
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the:
Cervical spine
(neck)
Lumbar spine
(lower back)
Not all herniated discs cause symptoms, which is why imaging findings must be interpreted in the context of a clinical evaluation.
Common Herniated Disc Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of the disc and whether nearby nerves are affected. Common symptoms may include:
Because similar symptoms can occur with other spine conditions, further evaluation is often required.
Neck or low back pain
Pain radiating into the arm or leg
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Muscle weakness in the affected limb
Pain worsened by certain movements, coughing, or prolonged sitting
Common Causes of Herniated Discs We Evaluate
Herniated discs can develop due to a combination of factors, including:
Age-related disc degeneration
Repetitive stress or overuse
Sudden lifting or twisting injuries
Poor posture or biomechanical strain
Traumatic injury to the spine
Progressive weakening of the disc over time
Understanding why a disc has herniated helps guide appropriate treatment decisions.
How a Herniated Disc Is Evaluated
Evaluation focuses on determining whether the disc herniation is responsible for a patient’s symptoms. A physician-led assessment may include:
Detailed medical history and physical examination
Neurological testing of strength, sensation, and reflexes
Review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available
Image-guided diagnostic injections, when appropriate, to confirm the pain source
This structured approach helps distinguish symptomatic disc herniations from incidental imaging findings.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
Treatment recommendations depend on symptom severity, nerve involvement, and functional goals. Non-surgical options may include:
Image-guided epidural steroid injections
Selective nerve root blocks
Facet joint injections or medial branch nerve blocks
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for specific pain generators
Trigger point injections for associated muscle spasm
Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning
Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, when appropriate
All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision and safety and are selected as part of a broader care plan.
When a Specialist Evaluation May Help
You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:
Pain radiates into the arm or leg
Numbness, tingling, or weakness develops
Symptoms persist despite physical therapy or medications
Imaging shows a disc herniation, but surgery is unclear or undesired
Pain interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities
A comprehensive evaluation can clarify whether a disc herniation is responsible for symptoms and outline appropriate next steps.
Schedule a Herniated Disc Evaluation
If symptoms related to a herniated disc are limiting your movement or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.