A long column of bones called vertebrae makes up your spine. The spine runs from your neck to your lower back and forms a protective cushion around your spinal cord, which is a delicate bundle of nerves connected to your brain.
Between your spinal bones (vertebrae) are pads of cartilage called discs. Natural use or strain can cause a disc to rupture (leak) or slip out of place (herniate). When a disc weakens, parts of it can shift and put pressure on a nerve or even the spinal cord. It may result in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
A variety of factors reduce the amount of water in the discs, making them weaker and more likely to get injured. These include:
- Natural aging process
- Being overweight
- Picking up heavy objects
- Smoking
Our slipped disc, herniated disc treatment options are located in the Washington DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
Herniated Disc
Symptoms of a herniated disc
- Pain in the back or neck
- Burning sensation
- Arm and/or leg weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling, like your arm or leg "fell asleep"
- Bladder control problems
Herniated disc care
Our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons offers you a range of options to manage your herniated disc condition. First, we explain the details of your condition and answer any questions you and your family may have. Once you understand your condition, we work together with you to develop a treatment plan. Whenever appropriate, we will recommend non-surgical treatment methods to treat your pain before resorting to surgery. We help you weigh the risks and benefits of all options – both non-surgical and surgical – so you can choose a treatment plan that will be most appropriate and effective for you.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Our orthopedic surgeons are experts at diagnosing herniated discs. Our initial exam generally includes:
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Taking your medical history: This includes asking questions about when your pain began, and when the pain feels most severe. Other questions may be about whether you have other medical problems, and if you take any medications
- Physical exam: The orthopedist will determine where your back is most sensitive by examining it and by asking you to move and bend in different directions
- Imaging tests: Your orthopedist may want to examine the bones and joints themselves using a variety of imaging techniques, including:
- X-ray: This can help determine if your bones are aging
- CT scan: This combines X-ray technology with computers to provide a very detailed picture of the spine
- MRI: This uses powerful magnets and computer technology to create a picture of your muscles, tissues, nerves, and discs
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Nerve test: This can show how well your nerves are functioning, and indicate exactly where you have a herniated disc
Herniated disc treatments
Most people suffering from a herniated disc respond well to non-surgical treatment, which includes:
- Resting the back
- Taking prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medications
- Doing physical therapy, including applying heat or ice, massage, and exercises to strengthen the back
If non-surgical treatment does not relieve your pain, you may need surgery. Procedures may include:
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Lumbar fusion, in rare cases
MedStar Health orthopedic surgeons will work with you to determine the least invasive and most effective surgical option.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
Spine Surgery
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Paul L. Asdourian, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Zeena Dorai, MD
Spine Surgery & Neurosurgery
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Joseph Leigh Ferguson, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Seyed Babak Kalantar, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Akhil Jay Khanna, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Mesfin A. Lemma, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Kevin Michael McGrail, MD
Spine Surgery & Neurosurgery
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Fred Mo, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Bradley William Moatz, AGRC MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Matthew Thomas Morris, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Mani Nathan Nair, MD
Spine Surgery & Neurosurgery
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Zan A Naseer, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Charles L. Schnee, MD
Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
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Oliver O. Tannous, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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David A Weiner, MD MS
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
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Sam W. Wiesel, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Show All Spine Surgery
Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Vienna
8230 Boone Boulevard Ste. 360 Vienna, VA 22182
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at McLean Beverly Road
1420 Beverly Road Ste. 200 McLean, VA 22101
703-752-8069
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Chevy Chase
5454 Wisconsin Ave. Ste. 1225 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Neuroscience Center
110 Irving St., NW Ste. G019 Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Ellicott City
9501 Old Annapolis Road Ste. 220 Ellicott City, MD 21042
MedStar Health: Neuroscience at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road, NW Pasquerilla Healthcare Center 7th Floor Washington, D.C., 20007
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Pikesville
1838 Greene Tree Rd Ste.245 Pikesville, MD 21208
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Catonsville
4660 Wilkens Avenue Ste. 100 Baltimore, MD 21229
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Timonium
2118 Greenspring Drive 2nd Fl. Timonium, MD 21093
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Harbor Hospital
2900 S. Hanover St. 1st Floor Baltimore, MD 21225
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9103 Franklin Square Dr. Suite 301 Rosedale, MD 21237
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Annapolis Generals Highway
2114 Generals Highway Suite 101-B Annapolis, MD 21401
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Bel Air
12 MedStar Blvd. Ste. 300 Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Frederick
163 Thomas Johnson Drive Unit E Frederick, MD 21702
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Westminster
412 Malcolm Drive Ste. 200 Westminster, MD 21157
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18109 Prince Philip Dr. Ste. 300 Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Kent Island
1630 Main St. Ste. 208 Chester , MD 21619
MedStar Health: Spine Center at McLean
1420 Beverly Road Ste. 210 McLean, VA 22101
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Westminster
412 Malcolm Dr. Ste. 200 Westminster, MD 21157
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road NW Washington, D.C., 20007
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving Street NW Physician's Office Building, North Ste. 5000 Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Ellicott City
9501 Old Annapolis Road Dorsey Hall Medical Center Suite 220 Ellicott City, MD 21042
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Hunt Valley
2 Loveton Circle Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Timonium
2118 Greenspring Dr. Timonium, MD 21093
MedStar Health Spine Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
3333 North Calvert St. Johnston Professional Building Ste. 655 Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Health: Spine Center at Chevy Chase
5454 Wisconsin Ave. Barlow Bldg. 11th Floor Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-215-4470
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Harbor Hospital
2900 South Hanover St. Baltimore, MD 21225
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Surgery Center
9101 Franklin Square Dr. Medical Arts Bldg. Ste. 200 Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Perry Hall
5009 Honeygo Center Dr. Ste. 210 Perry Hall, MD 21128
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Annapolis Bestgate Road
810 Bestgate Rd. Suite 310 Annapolis, MD 21401
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Bel Air
12 MedStar Blvd. 3rd Floor Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Brandywine
13950 Brandywine Road 2nd Floor Brandywine, MD 20613
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Wheaton
11915 Georgia Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Leonardtown
23503 Hollywood Road Suite 101 Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18109 Prince Philip Drive Suite 325 Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Lafayette Centre
1120 20th St NW Building 1 South Washington, D.C., 20036
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Mitchellville
12158 Central Avenue Mitchellville, MD 20721
MedStar Health Orthopedics at Lorton
9455 Lorton Market Street Suite 200 Lorton, VA 22079
Frequently asked questions
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What is the difference between a herniated disc, a bulging disc, and a slipped disc?
A herniated disc, bulging disc, and slipped disc are terms often used interchangeably. All three terms refer to a disc that has protruded beyond its normal position and may put pressure on nearby nerves.
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Can herniated discs heal on their own?
Yes. Most herniated discs heal on their own without surgery. Conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections can help manage symptoms while the disc heals.
Surgery is typically only considered if pain persists.
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When should I see a spine specialist for a herniated disc?
See a spine specialist if your herniated disc causes severe back or leg pain that isn’t improving after a few weeks of conservative care. You should also seek evaluation if you develop numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
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Can exercise make a herniated disc worse?
Yes, certain exercises can make a herniated disc worse—especially high-impact activities like running, jumping, or heavy lifting. Avoid these movements in favor of low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and guided physical therapy.
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How can I prevent a herniated disc from happening again?
The best way to prevent a herniated disc from recurring is to strengthen and maintain your core muscles. A strong core supports the spine, reduces strain on spinal discs, and improves posture.
Physical therapy can help you learn targeted exercises to safely build core strength.
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What types of surgery treat a herniated disc?
When surgery is needed, the type of herniated disc surgery will depend on the disc’s location.
The most common procedure is a minimally invasive microdiscectomy, which removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve to relieve pressure and restore function.
In more complex or unstable cases, a lumbar fusion may be recommended. However, fusion is typically considered only when necessary, as many herniated discs can be successfully treated with less invasive surgery.