Lumbar Herniated Discs (Bulging Discs) in Manhattan, NY

Lumbar intervertebral discs are normally soft and cushion the spine during stress. These discs are found between the vertebral bodies (bones of the spine). A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center (nucleus) encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior (annulus). Sometimes called a “slipped disc” or a “ruptured disc”, a herniated disc occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. As discs lose water content with aging, they actually become less susceptible to herniation. Disc herniations occur when the intradiscal pressure, which is influenced heavily by mechanics and position, exceeds the annulus’s ability to contain the disc. Herniations can be classified further as protrusions or extrusions depending on the size of the herniation. When the material from the nucleus exits the disc, it generally makes contact and irritates the nearby nerves. Depending on where the herniated disc is and how large of a herniation has occurred, patients may present with severe low back and leg pain, numbness, tingling or even weakness in the leg. On the other hand, some individuals who have small herniated discs may endorse no symptoms.

Patients who suffer from a lumbar herniated disc may endorse symptoms of back pain with radiation of pain from their low back down their leg. The pain may radiate into the groin, across the top of their thigh to the knee, down the side of their leg to the big toe, or even down the back of their buttock down the back of their thigh all the way to the heel. The pain may be described as a sharp, shooting, “electric” type pain that is sudden and severe in nature. The pain is oftentimes made worse with bending forward and activity. Patients who suffer from herniated discs may also have other spine related conditions including lumbar stenosis or lumbar degenerative disc disease.

Procedural treatments for lumbar disc herniations can include cortisone or steroid injections under live imaging guidance via a transforaminal or interlaminar approach. The location of the injection is decided by the distribution of symptoms and imaging findings. For those looking to avoid steroids and surgical options, Regenexx regenerative medicine procedures may offer a novel solution. Using a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-lysate and bone marrow concentrate containing stem cells, we are able to heal damaged and herniated discs without the need for surgery. These healing cells are injected directly into damaged intervertebral discs and their surrounding structures to promote healing. Most patients report dramatic improvements in pain and function after these procedures with minimal downtime.

Our interventional spine specialists are experts in Regenexx regenerative medicine treatments. If you are interested to learn more about Regenexx and whether you qualify for treatment, please reach out to Ospina Medical, located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City to speak with one of our Regenexx providers today.

Will I need surgery for a lumbar herniated disc?
At Ospina Medical, we regard surgery as a last resort. It is usually only considered if treatments like Regenexx fail to improve symptoms, if the pain is unbearable, or a patient has significant difficulty standing or walking.

Are there any contraindications for Regenexx treatment?
Certain patients may not be suitable candidates for Regenexx procedures, such as those with certain types of cancer, active infections, or certain other medical conditions. If you have any doubts about your ability to receive this type of treatment, please address them with the team at Ospina Medical.

How effective is Regenexx for treating lumbar herniated discs?
The effectiveness of Regenexx for treating lumbar herniated discs will likely vary from patient to patient. However, many of our Manhattan, NY clients report increased function and decreased pain over the subsequent weeks and months.