Herniated Disc Specialist

Your spinal discs serve as rubbery cushions between your back’s individual vertebrae. When healthy, these discs provide support and flexibility. If this soft material pushes out through its outer layer, it can cause a range of back issues. The result can be a range of symptoms. At the Global Brain and Spine, Dr. Sarkiss serves as a leading herniated disc specialist. He provides patient-centric, personalized care that paves a path toward restored comfort.

Common Causes of Herniated Disc

  • Disc degeneration (due to disease or natural age-related wear)
  • Improper lifting of heavy objects
  • Sudden, forceful twisting motions
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Repetitive strain (even if not necessarily intense)

Benefits of Treating a Herniated Disc

  • Pain Relief: Reduce or fully eliminate chronic pain associated with the herniated disc.
  • Restored Mobility: Treatment can help you move more freely and enjoy daily activities such as walking.
  • Reduced Risk of Permanent: Damage: The longer a herniated disc puts pressure on nerves, the greater the chance of lasting damage.
  • Improved Sleep: Sleep more comfortably and soundly without your back causing issues.
  • Quality of Life: From mental health to enjoyment of activities, treating a herniated disc can restore your quality of life.

Herniated Disc Treatment Options

Dr. Sarkiss always starts with the most conservative approach. He only recommends spine surgery when absolutely necessary. His in-depth knowledge of the spine allows him to create personalized treatment plans that take your full well-being into account.
Lifestyle: Initial treatments may focus on avoiding strain and caring for your back.
Medication: Some helpful medications include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and oral steroids.
Steroid Injections: Targeted steroid injections provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Surgery: Surgery can range from minimally invasive techniques to removal of part of the bone on the disc. Whenever possible, we opt for the least invasive approach.

Herniated Disc FAQs

What results can I expect?
Results can vary, but the majority of patients experience notable improvements in their symptoms. The biggest focus is to alleviate pain and restore mobility. Some patients may return to most activities. Others may have a more limited return to function. Dr. Sarkiss provides a realistic outlook for each patient based on their situation. We are fully transparent at every stage so that you can set realistic expectations.

Symptoms can range from nonexistent to severe. Some patients may have a herniated disc and not know it until it shows up on other X-rays. For other patients, symptoms may be chronic and affect quality of life.

  • Pain: Typically in the back or neck but can radiate out to the limbs
  • Nerve Symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the back or other areas.
  • Weakness: Due to degraded nerve function by affected nerves.
  • Unilateral Symptoms: Symptoms often only affect a single side of the body.
Many people think that back surgery is the only solution for a herniated disc. However, many patients may find sufficient relief through minimally invasive treatments. We use surgery as a last resort. If your symptoms do not respond to conservative treatments, we may recommend more invasive techniques.
  • Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive approach that removes part of the disc material pressing on the nerves.
  • Laminectomy: A more invasive technique that removes part of the bone putting pressure on the disc.
  • Disc Replacement or Fusion: Reserved for highly damaged discs or severe cases. Stabilizes the spine by using implants or grafts.

Schedule a Consultation

Work with Los Angeles’s leading spine surgeon for your neck and back pain treatment. Dr. Sarkiss has years of experience providing life-changing treatment for neck and back pain, reducing symptoms and restoring mobility.