Lumbar Herniated Disc

Injuries don’t keep office hours. When its urgent, get diagnosed and recover fast when you go straight to the orthopedic experts with Ortho After Hours.

As premier hip and knee replacement surgeons in Charleston, SC, Dr. Zimlich and Dr. Stem alleviate patient pain and discomfort using innovative techniques and technologies. Concentrating exclusively on knee and hip replacement, the Lowcountry Orthopaedics Hip and Knee Specialists operate at the Lowcountry Orthopaedics Surgery Center and area hospitals per patient preference.

Top rated for eight years in a row as Charleston’s Choice for best orthopedic surgeons, countless of satisfied patients walk away with a pain free, natural feeling knee or hip. From custom total knee arthroplasty using 3D printing to the area’s first and only outpatient surgery center based robotic knee replacement program, patients trust Lowcountry Orthopaedics Hip and Knee Specialists.

Signature services include:

  • Custom total knee arthroplasty using 3D printing
  • Same day robotic knee replacement program
  • Personalized joint replacement experience
  • Dedicated team of nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists
  • Proven outcomes for quick recovery and pain-free lives

Same day appointments are available at one of our convenient North Charleston, Summerville, or Daniel Island locations.

Treatment

Most herniated discs will heal over time. The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Most symptoms will improve in 6-8 weeks if the disc is healing.

Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory steroid pills
  • Pain relievers
  • Muscle relaxers

Spinal Injections

Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections reduce inflammation within the spinal canal and provide an environment for the disc to heal. Up to three injections may be performed over a 6-8 week period of time.

Surgery

Surgery is always a last resort. It is sometimes required right away if severe symptoms occur, such as urinary retention or foot drop. It is also elected if at least 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment fails. Microdiscectomy is where the fragment of the ruptured disc is removed to allow the rest of the disc to heal and to remove pressure on the spinal nerves.

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Causes

Herniated discs usually occur by an injury. The disc is usually weakened by wear and tear over time, making it susceptible to injury. The injury may be severe (fall or heavy lifting) or mild (cough or sneeze). In some cases, the patient cannot remember a specific event that caused the herniation.

Symptoms

  • Back pain – the most common symptom. This may include back, buttock, and/or groin pain.
  • Leg pain – The disc usually ruptures to one side and pain runs down the leg. The affected leg may also feel numb, tingle, or burn. Weakness can also occur, causing a limp.
  • Severe symptoms include urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder) or foot drop (inability to raise the foot, causing it to drag)

Diagnostics

  • X-rays
  • MRI – to show which disc is herniated and which nerve is involved
  • Neurologic testing – EMG/nerve conduction studies to determine if there is any nerve damage and to rule out other conditions

Lowcountry Orthopaedics’ Spine Team

Christopher Battista, MD

Christopher Battista, MD

Spine Surgeon

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Don Stovall, Jr, MD

Don Stovall, Jr, MD

Spine Surgeon

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Carey Lennon, PA-C

Carey Lennon, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Kylie Smith, FNP

Kylie Smith, FNP

Nurse Practitioner

Hip & Knee Specialists

Fast forward to feeling better with Lowcountry Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons that specialize in joint reconstruction and hip and knee surgery.

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Same-Day Joint Replacement

The benefits of same-day total hip or knee replacement surgery include fast recovery, lower risk of infection, no risk of hospital-acquired illness, cost reduction, and increased patient satisfaction. Patients interested in same-day joint surgery should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Zimlich to review their medical profile for candidacy.

Joint Replacement Surgery
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