Lower Back

Herniated Disc

A disc bulge or rupture pressing on nearby nerves in the neck or low back.

Understanding it

Most herniated discs heal on their own over weeks to months — the challenge is staying functional while they do. Image-guided epidural injections reduce the chemical inflammation a herniation creates around the nerve, easing pain enough to stay active, sleep, and participate in physical therapy. Surgery is reserved for progressive weakness or pain that fails conservative care.

When to seek care

Progressive weakness, foot drop, or saddle numbness are urgent. Otherwise, radiating pain that hasn't settled in 2–4 weeks warrants evaluation.

How Dr. Iyer treats it