A herniated disc—also called a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through its tough outer shell (annulus fibrosus). This can irritate or compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs.
At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center, board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Rajesh Bindal provides advanced care for herniated discs using conservative treatments and minimally invasive surgical techniques. With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, Dr. Bindal offers personalized care to help patients relieve pain and return to their normal routines.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location and severity of nerve involvement. Back or neck pain often comes on suddenly and may be accompanied by:
- Shooting pain down the arm or leg
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the limbs
- Pain that worsens with bending, twisting, or sitting
- Relief when lying down
- Changes in gait due to leg pain
In some cases, arm or leg pain is the only noticeable symptom, even without obvious back or neck discomfort.
How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is the most accurate and commonly used tool to diagnose a herniated disc. In certain cases, a CT scan with myelography—which uses contrast dye injected into the spinal canal—may help visualize bone and disc structures, especially in patients unable to undergo MRI.
Other diagnostic tests like electromyography (EMG) can measure nerve and muscle response to detect nerve compression caused by the herniation. These evaluations help guide treatment planning and ensure the correct diagnosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Disc herniation often develops gradually due to natural spine degeneration, but it can also occur suddenly from injury. Contributing factors include:
- Repetitive bending, twisting, or heavy lifting
- Trauma to the spine
- Excess body weight or physical inactivity
- Smoking, which reduces blood flow to discs
- Poor posture and prolonged sitting
- Genetics and jobs involving physical labor or vibration
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding tobacco can reduce your risk of disc-related problems.
Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatments
Most patients improve without surgery. Non-invasive treatment options include:
- Medication – Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers
- Physical therapy – Exercises to improve flexibility, reduce nerve pressure, and strengthen supportive muscles
- Activity modification – Avoiding movements that worsen symptoms
- Steroid injections – To decrease inflammation around irritated nerves
- Ergonomic adjustments – Improving work or daily posture to reduce spinal strain
- Complementary therapies – Chiropractic care, massage, or acupuncture (when appropriate)
These methods often offer effective relief and may eliminate the need for surgery.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist for several weeks despite conservative treatment or if nerve damage becomes apparent. You may be a surgical candidate if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain, numbness, or weakness
- Difficulty standing, walking, or using your limbs
- Loss of coordination or muscle control
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction (a rare but urgent condition)
- Recurrent disc herniation or spinal instability
Dr. Bindal thoroughly evaluates each case before discussing surgical options.
Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Treatment for Herniated Discs
| Treatment Approach | Non-Surgical | Surgical |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing without intervention | Remove nerve pressure and stabilize the spine when conservative treatments fail |
| Common Methods | Medication, physical therapy, activity modification, spinal injections | Microdiscectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion, ACDF, Artificial Disc Replacement |
| Recovery Time | Weeks to months, varies by individual | Faster for minimally invasive procedures; 2–6 weeks for light activity |
| When Recommended | First-line treatment for most herniated discs | After several weeks of unsuccessful conservative care or signs of nerve damage |
| Effectiveness | Often sufficient for mild to moderate symptoms | Often necessary for severe, persistent, or progressive symptoms |
Surgical Options for Herniated Discs
When surgery is necessary, Dr. Bindal offers a range of procedures designed to relieve nerve pressure and stabilize the spine:
- Minimally Invasive Discectomy (Microdiscectomy) – Removes the herniated portion of the disc using a small incision and specialized instruments. This outpatient procedure typically results in less pain and faster recovery.
- Traditional Open Discectomy – In more complex cases, a standard open technique may be used to access the disc directly. This approach may involve a larger incision and slightly longer recovery time.
- Laminectomy with Discectomy – Removes disc material along with part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to decompress the spinal canal.
- Lumbar Fusion – Fuses two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine in cases of instability or recurrent herniation.
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) – Treats cervical disc herniation through a front-of-neck incision, followed by spinal fusion.
- Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement – Replaces the damaged cervical disc with an artificial one to maintain motion, offering an alternative to fusion in select patients.
Each option is carefully chosen based on your anatomy, symptoms, and recovery goals.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery depends on the type of surgery and your individual health, but most patients see significant improvement within weeks. Minimally invasive procedures like microdiscectomy often allow same-day discharge and early mobility. Walking is encouraged soon after surgery, while high-impact activity and heavy lifting are restricted until your surgeon says otherwise.
Long-term recovery success is often tied to healthy lifestyle habits, including maintaining an ideal weight, avoiding tobacco, and using proper posture and lifting techniques.
Why Choose Dr. Bindal for Herniated Disc Treatment in Sugar Land?
Dr. Rajesh Bindal is a leader in spine care and one of the most experienced neurosurgeons in Texas. As the founder of the first full-time neurosurgical practice in Fort Bend County, he has helped thousands of patients reclaim their mobility and quality of life.
What sets Dr. Bindal apart:
- Board-Certified Neurosurgeon – Trained at Northwestern University with decades of clinical experience
- Minimally Invasive Expertise – Specializing in advanced techniques for faster recovery and reduced tissue damage
- Pioneer in Fort Bend – Helped launch the Methodist Sugar Land Spine Center and performed the first brain surgery in the region
- Award-Winning Physician – Recognized four years in a row by Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards and a recipient of the Patient’s Choice Award
- Compassionate Care Philosophy – Known for clear communication, honest treatment guidance, and personalized surgical planning
From conservative care to complex procedures, you’ll receive trusted, patient-centered treatment every step of the way.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Call Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center at 281-313-0031 to request an appointment to discuss your options for herniated disc treatment with Dr. Rajesh Bindal in Sugar Land.