When to Seek Medical Attention for Herniated Disc Symptoms
Herniated disc symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that affects daily life. If you experience persistent pain, numbness, or weakness, it may be time to consult a professional. Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D. specializes in diagnosing and managing herniated disc symptoms, providing personalized care to help you find relief. Early medical attention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.


Table of Contents:
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like in the Lower Back?
Does a Herniated Disc Require Medical Attention?
How Long Does It Take for a Herniated Disc to Heal?
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Herniated Disc?
Who Can Get a Herniated Disc?
Patients typically experience sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, which may radiate into the buttocks, legs, and sometimes as far as the feet. This discomfort can be exacerbated by activities such as bending, lifting, or twisting and can intensify during prolonged sitting, coughing, or sneezing. Muscle spasms and difficulty maintaining certain positions, such as sitting or standing for long periods, are also common.
Additionally, symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, with sensations resembling burning or pins and needles. These symptoms suggest nerve involvement, which can be particularly concerning if accompanied by bowel or bladder dysfunction.
The severity of your symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the herniated disc. While a smaller herniation might only cause mild discomfort, a larger one can compress the spinal cord or nerves, leading to severe pain and potential disability. In severe cases, this pain can be debilitating, significantly impacting your ability to perform daily activities.
Our trained staff provides a variety of individualized treatment choices, such as physical therapy, pain medication, and, if required, surgery. Our objective is to reduce your discomfort and improve your quality of life so that you can quickly and pleasantly resume your regular activities.
When an intervertebral disc’s soft, jelly-like core pushes through a crack in its harder outer layer, it results in a herniated disc. This condition frequently affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine), and its symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Many herniated discs cause minimal symptoms and can be managed with rest, pain relievers, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes like exercise and better posture. However, if symptoms worsen, seeking care at San Antonio Pain Consultants is crucial to prevent complications.
These symptoms include:
● Severe pain radiating down the leg or arm
● Weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
● Difficulty walking or standing
● Loss of bladder or bowel control
These symptoms might indicate nerve root or spinal cord compression, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. In rare cases, conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, which involves severe pressure on spinal nerves, may develop and necessitate immediate intervention.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our approach may include conservative management or, in more severe cases, surgical options to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and individualized treatment plans are crucial in preventing further damage and ensuring a positive prognosis.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we recognize that the healing journey for a herniated disc is unique to each patient. Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care that takes into account various factors such as the severity and location of the herniation, the patient’s age, overall health, and the most suitable treatment approach.
Herniated disc healing typically occurs within 4-8 weeks for most patients under comprehensive treatment, with mild cases resolving in 2-4 weeks and severe cases taking 12 weeks or more, especially if surgery is needed. Factors influencing recovery include the severity and location of the herniation, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. We focus on reducing inflammation and enhancing tissue repair through individualized treatment plans, helping the body absorb herniated material and strengthen surrounding tissues. We also guide patients on avoiding factors that hinder healing, such as improper activity, poor posture, smoking, obesity, and inadequate nutrition.
Early and accurate diagnosis is vital, and our team is committed to providing thorough evaluations to ensure the best outcomes. By working closely with our patients, we develop customized treatment plans that address specific conditions, symptoms, and lifestyle needs, optimizing recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.
For cases where conservative treatments are insufficient or where neurological symptoms persist, we offer advanced interventions such as epidural steroid injections or surgical options like discectomy.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we recognize that dealing with a herniated disc can be both physically and financially challenging. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses both your medical needs and financial concerns.
We offer a variety of cost-effective treatments for herniated discs. Non-surgical treatments include personalized physical therapy sessions ($50–$150), chiropractic care ($30–$200), and medications tailored to manage pain and inflammation. For severe cases requiring surgery, we collaborate with top specialists to provide procedures like discectomy and spinal fusion, with costs ranging from $15,000 to $150,000 based on complexity.
Treatment costs depend on factors like the severity and location of the herniation and the surgical techniques used, such as microdiscectomy or endoscopic discectomy, which offer cost and recovery advantages. We provide high-quality care at competitive rates and work with insurance providers to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, we emphasize alternative treatments like injections and flexible payment plans. Our administrative team is available to assist with insurance details and financial assistance options, ensuring access to care without undue financial strain.
At San Antonio Pain Consultants, our specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from conditions like herniated discs. This condition, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc pushes through its tough outer layer, potentially causing significant discomfort and impacting quality of life.
Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). Several factors increase the risk of developing this condition. Age is a major factor, with individuals aged 30 to 50 at higher risk due to natural spinal degeneration, as discs lose water content and elasticity over time. Physical activity involving repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting can stress the spine, while a sedentary lifestyle weakens the muscles supporting it, raising susceptibility.
Obesity adds extra pressure on the spine, making weight management essential. Genetics also plays a role, as family history can predispose individuals to herniated discs. Additionally, smoking accelerates spinal disc degeneration by impairing blood flow, and trauma from falls or injuries can also lead to herniation.
We focus on personalized care and prevention. Our diagnostic assessments utilize advanced imaging to accurately evaluate the condition. Conservative treatments include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and pain management techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve functionality. When necessary, we offer minimally invasive interventional procedures to relieve pain and restore mobility. We emphasize patient education, equipping individuals with knowledge about risk factors and preventive strategies to maintain spinal health.
Ignoring herniated disc symptoms can lead to worsening pain and potential long-term complications. Seeking medical attention early ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment to regain mobility and comfort. Don’t let herniated disc symptoms hold you back from living your best life. At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D. and his expert team are dedicated to helping you find relief from herniated disc symptoms. With advanced treatments tailored to your needs, we provide compassionate care to restore your quality of life. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.


Conditions We Treat
▸ Back & Spine Pain
▸ Herniated Disc Treatment
▸ Sciatica
▸ Neck Pain
▸ Knee Pain
▸ Arthritis Pain
▸ Arm & Shoulder Pain
▸ Abdominal & Pelvic Pain
▸ Headaches & Migraines
▸ Hip Pain
▸ Neuropathy
▸ Cancer Pain