Motionis

Herniated Disc Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes or leaks through its outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves. Because symptoms can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the herniation, accurate diagnosis is essential before selecting treatment. At Motionis Medicine, herniated discs are evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.

Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine and nerve care.

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What Is a Herniated Disc?

An intervertebral disc acts as a cushion between the bones of the spine. A herniated disc—sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the disc’s inner material pushes through a weakened area of the outer layer. This can place pressure on nearby nerve roots and lead to pain, numbness, or weakness.

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the:

Cervical spine

(neck)

Lumbar spine

(lower back)

Not all herniated discs cause symptoms, which is why imaging findings must be interpreted in the context of a clinical evaluation.

Common Herniated Disc Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the location of the disc and whether nearby nerves are affected. Common symptoms may include:

Because similar symptoms can occur with other spine conditions, further evaluation is often required.

Neck or low back pain

Pain radiating into the arm or leg

Numbness or tingling in the extremities

Muscle weakness in the affected limb

Pain worsened by certain movements, coughing, or prolonged sitting

Common Causes of Herniated Discs We Evaluate

Herniated discs can develop due to a combination of factors, including:

Age-related disc degeneration

Repetitive stress or overuse

Sudden lifting or twisting injuries

Poor posture or biomechanical strain

Traumatic injury to the spine

Progressive weakening of the disc over time

Understanding why a disc has herniated helps guide appropriate treatment decisions.

How a Herniated Disc Is Evaluated

Evaluation focuses on determining whether the disc herniation is responsible for a patient’s symptoms. A physician-led assessment may include:

Detailed medical history and physical examination

Neurological testing of strength, sensation, and reflexes

Review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available

Image-guided diagnostic injections, when appropriate, to confirm the pain source

This structured approach helps distinguish symptomatic disc herniations from incidental imaging findings.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc

Treatment recommendations depend on symptom severity, nerve involvement, and functional goals. Non-surgical options may include:

Image-guided epidural steroid injections

Selective nerve root blocks

Facet joint injections or medial branch nerve blocks

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for specific pain generators

Trigger point injections for associated muscle spasm

Targeted rehabilitation and recovery planning

Regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic options, when appropriate

All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision and safety and are selected as part of a broader care plan.

When a Specialist Evaluation May Help

You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:

Pain radiates into the arm or leg

Numbness, tingling, or weakness develops

Symptoms persist despite physical therapy or medications

Imaging shows a disc herniation, but surgery is unclear or undesired

Pain interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities

A comprehensive evaluation can clarify whether a disc herniation is responsible for symptoms and outline appropriate next steps.

Schedule a Herniated Disc Evaluation

If symptoms related to a herniated disc are limiting your movement or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.