What is a Disc Herniation?
Disc Anatomy
Disc herniation is the most common cause of back pain. The intervertebral disks are flat and round, present between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers when you walk or run. There is a soft, gelatinous material in the center (nucleus pulposus) that is encased in strong elastic tissue to form a ring around it called annulus fibrosus.
Symptoms of Disc Herniation
The symptoms of lumbar disc herniation include:
- Mild to intense back pain, making it difficult to bend
- Numbness and weakness in the leg or foot leading to the sensation of tingling (pins and needles)
- Leg and/or feet pain making it difficult to walk or stand
- In rare cases, loss of bowel and bladder function (cauda equine syndrome), requiring immediate medical attention
Diagnosis of Disc Herniation
The diagnosis of disc herniation includes a thorough review of your medical history and a physical and neurological examination. Neurological examination is performed to indicate any neurological injury and involves the evaluation of reflexes and muscle weakness by various tests. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order an MRI to evaluate changes in the disk and spinal nerves.
Treatment of Disc Herniation
Treatment Options for Bicep Tendon Tears
Non-surgical Treatment Options for Bicep Tendon Tears
Conservative treatment for a proximal biceps tendon tear includes:
- Ice application
- Limiting activity
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain and swelling
- Flexibility and strengthening exercises to restore the mobility and strength of the surrounding muscles
Surgery for Bicep Tendon Tears
Surgery to reattach the torn tendon back to the bone is rarely needed. However, it may be the best option for patients with partial tears who continue to experience symptoms after non-surgical treatments or who want all their arm strength back, such as athletes or manual laborers.
Your surgeon may opt for several surgical procedures for distal bicep tendon tear where the distal biceps tendon is reattached to the forearm bone. One or two incisions may be used. During the procedure, the tendon is attached with stitches through holes drilled inside the bone or small metal implants may be used to attach the tendon to the bone.



















