Herniated Discs: When and How to Seek Treatment

August 21, 2024
Last Updated: July 13, 2025
Medical Reviewer: Christopher MacLaren, DO

If you have pain, weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, you might be experiencing a herniated disc. The common spinal disorder can occur from natural aging, a congenital condition, acute injury or spinal degeneration. While some can be healed by rest, others warrant a trip to the doctor to prevent severe or even permanent complications. Learn the causes and symptoms of herniated discs and when to seek treatment. 

What Is a Herniated Disc? 

Herniated discs occur when part or all of a disc is forced through a weak area of the spine due to a problem with the soft, rubber disc between the spinal bones. The rupture puts pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves — typically in the lower back and the neck, resulting in pain, numbness or weakness. 

While some herniated discs respond well to conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain medications and gentle exercises, some symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor. Here’s how to know if you have a herniated disc and treatment options that may bring relief. 

Causes and Symptoms 

Herniated discs typically occur with age. Our discs degenerate as we get older, and the ligaments around them weaken. The older you are, the more likely a minor injury is to cause a herniated disc. Additionally, herniated discs can occur from injuries and genetics. If many people in your family have experienced the condition, you might be genetically predisposed to get one as well.

Symptoms can vary depending on the injury’s severity and the disc’s location. They might include:

• Numbness or tingling.
• Muscle weakness surrounding the area of pain.
• Sharp, shooting or burning pain in the lower back, leg, foot or calf.
• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the arm or shoulder.
• Symptoms located on one side of the body.

You might also experience numbness or tingling in the affected area that radiates through nearby limbs or weakened muscles near the source of pain. Discomfort from a herniated disc typically worsens when you’re active and lessens when you’re resting.

Treatments

Depending on the person, a herniated disc may take two weeks to six months to heal. In severe cases, the pain might not dissipate without surgical intervention. Herniated disc treatment options include: 

• Rest: For mild pain, avoid any activities that worsen symptoms. Cold packs may relieve pain and swelling, and a few days afterward, you can switch to gentle heat for relief and comfort a few days after. Resume your activities slowly, especially if they involve bending forward and lifting. Avoid too much bed rest, as staying in one position too long can stiffen the joint and weaken the muscles, complicating recovery.
• Medications: If your pain is mild to moderate, your doctor may recommend a nonprescription pain medicine like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Muscle relaxers may also help with muscle spasms, and doctors may consider cortisone injections if your pain doesn’t improve with oral medicines. 
• Therapy: Your health care professional might also suggest physical therapy to help relieve your pain. Physical therapists will show you positions and exercises to minimize herniated disc pain.
• Surgery: If conservative treatments do not improve your symptoms after six weeks, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc. An orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery can help if you’re experiencing poorly controlled pain, numbness or weakness, trouble standing or loss of bladder control. Some surgeries may require the placement of hardware, depending on where the herniation is and the complexity of the surgery.

When to See a Doctor for a Herniated Disc 

Some herniated disc symptoms can signify serious complications that warrant medical attention. Surgery is likely necessary for a herniated disc if your symptoms include:

• Loss of bowel or bladder control: If your herniated disc causes you to lose feeling in your legs or feet and leads to trouble with bowel or bladder control, this could indicate complications that require professional treatment. 
• Loss of balance and fine motor skills: If you lose balance or fine motor skills, this could indicate spinal nerve compression, often caused by herniated discs in the neck. 
• Muscle weakness and numbness: See a medical professional if you experience numbness, tingling or loss of strength in your arms, hands, legs or feet. 
• Pain interfering with daily life: If your pain interferes with daily activities, like sleeping or going to work, it’s time to see a medical professional.

Additionally, you should see a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not get better after four to six weeks. The sooner you see a professional, the more likely your treatments will be successful. Waiting too long can also result in long-term nerve damage that may not respond to treatments.

How to Choose the Right Treatment

Knowing who to see for a herniated disc can be challenging, as many types of doctors and treatment options are available. Note that you can seek specialists depending on how you were injured. For instance, some orthopedic specialists specialize in car accident injuries like herniated discs — ensuring you get the targeted care you need.

At Complete Care, we offer comprehensive care for orthopedic or spine injuries due to car accidents, including:

• Examination and diagnosis: Each treatment plan starts with a thorough evaluation of your injuries and medical history. Our specialists can diagnose your injury accurately and help you feel comfortable.
• Pain management: Complete Care offers several nonsurgical options for herniated discs, including epidural steroid injection, facet and medial branch block, large joint steroid injection, radiofrequency neurotomy and trigger point injections.
• Minimally invasive outpatient surgery: Sometimes, treatment plans may include surgery. Our team has extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures in our outpatient centers. This flexibility lets us offer convenient same-day procedures so you can recover at home to lower your risk of infection. If you require surgery, our team will work together to make your scheduling process as smooth as possible, from initial consultation to your last appointment post-operation. 

Why Trust Complete Care for Herniated Disc Treatment?

A herniated disc can be debilitating, but treatment is available to help you return to your daily routine. At Complete Care, our board-certified neurosurgeons and orthopedic doctors, chiropractic physicians and chiropractic neurologists can support you — from diagnosis to rehabilitation with pain management. 

You’ll have a committed case manager to help guide you through treatments, and you can go to them with questions or concerns anytime to make informed medical decisions. Consider our testimonials to see the difference our treatments can make in your life.

Specialized Care for Herniated Discs

Herniated discs can cause lasting pain, weakness, and limited mobility if left untreated. At Complete Care, our Spine and Orthopedics team provides expert evaluations and personalized, minimally invasive treatment options to help you recover safely and fully.

Learn More About Spine & Orthopedics Services Request an Appointment

More about the Medical Reviewer of this Article

Christopher MacLaren, DO

Medical Director

Melbourne, Lake Mary, Leesburg, Lakeland Injury Care & Rehab, Tampa

Orthopedic Surgeon

Christopher MacLaren, DO is dual board-certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. He has many years of experience in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, general orthopedics, fracture care, and treatment of bone and joint injuries. Dr. MacLaren is a veteran of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne where he was Chief of Orthopedics and received the Combat Medical Badge for his remarkable work. His extensive medical studies included fellowships in arthroscopy, sports medicine and knee reconstruction. He has been helping patients at Complete Care Spine & Orthopedics to relieve pain and maximize function, through non-operative techniques as well as through surgical correction.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Cum Laude Graduate with Honors, The Ohio State University
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine 
• Traditional Orthopedic Emphasis Track Internship, Ohio University
• Internship, U.S. Health Doctors Hospital
• Orthopedic Surgery Residency, earning Chief Resident Award, Oklahoma State University Health Science Center Tulsa Regional Medical Center
• Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship, University of Texas
• Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Reynolds Army Medical Center

Certifications:

• American Osteopathic Board of Surgery Orthopedic Sports Medicine
• American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, Fellow
• National Board of Medical Examiners
• Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Nova Southeastern University
• President of American Osteopathic Society of Orthopedic Sports Medicine