If you think you may have a herniated disc, Dr. Johans in Boise is ready to help. He is an experienced neurological surgeon who strives to provide every one of his patients with high-quality care and personalized attention throughout their appointments. No matter the issue, Dr. Johans will always sit down with each patient and answer any questions they might have about their treatment. He specializes in treating herniated discs without the need for surgery whenever possible. Still, when surgery does become necessary, patients can trust that he has the qualifications, training, and experience to perform it successfully.
Dr. Johans has privileges at St. Alphonsus and Treasure Valley Hospital (Boises' highest-rated hospital). His past patients have left numerous positive reviews on Google and Healthgrades, attesting to his excellent care and dedication to providing everyone with compassionate treatment plans tailored to their needs. Rest assured that no matter your situation, Dr. Johans can help you find relief from any herniated disc symptoms so that you can get back on track toward a pain-free life as quickly as possible.
What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus of one of the discs between two vertebrae is pushed outside its exterior. This can be very painful, with symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm or leg. The sensation of a herniated disc feels like a sharp or burning sensation that radiates from the affected area. It can also cause neck and low back pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and saddle anesthesia (a loss of sensation in the buttock, perineum, and inner thigh). These symptoms indicate that the disc herniation is worsening and requires urgent evaluation by Dr. Johans.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition that many different factors can cause. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, although age, wear and tear, improper ergonomics, accidents or trauma, genetics, excess body weight, smoking, often driving long distances, and frequent inactivity are all contributing factors.
How to Fix a Herniated Disc Without Surgery
If you have a herniated disc, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it:
- Daily exercise will strengthen the muscles in your back and relieve some of the pressure on your disc.
- Good posture will take some of the strain off of your back and may help to reduce pain.
- Maintain a healthy weight to help reduce the amount of pressure on your back and may also help to reduce pain.
- Eliminate tobacco products from your life. Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of herniated discs, so quitting may help to reduce your risk.
- Try stretches or yoga to help elongate and strengthen the muscles near the spine.
- Learn safe movement ergonomics for work and home.
If non-surgical treatments are no longer working and pain or numbness increases in the neck, arms, or legs, it is time to see a neurological specialist like Dr. Johans. After an in-depth and comprehensive initial consultation, he will discuss surgical and non-surgical options, their benefits and risks. Additional medical imaging and an official diagnosis from Dr. Johans are the next steps in finding treatment for the pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling you feel from a herniated disc.
Herniated Disc Treatment by Dr. Johans
Dr. Johans is a highly experienced, board-certified neurosurgeon and pain management specialist with exceptional expertise in neck pain, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cervical arthroplasty. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and Pain Management and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.
If you have any of these conditions or suspect that you may be suffering from any other neurological disorder, please get in touch with Dr. Johans at 208-327-5600 for a consultation to discuss which treatment plan may be right for you.
Dr. Johans is committed to providing personalized care tailored to meet the needs and effective treatment options to achieve maximum relief from discomfort. With over 30 years of experience in neurological surgery and pain management treatments, patients can trust that he will provide the highest standard of care available so they can get back on track with life as quickly as possible!