Herniated Disc Specialist

Indiana Spine Group Jonathan Gentile, MD Our Services Herniated Disc
Jonathan Gentile, MD - - Pain Management Physician

Indiana Spine Group

Jonathan Gentile, MD

Pain Management Physician & Anesthesiologist located in Carmel, Indianapolis, & Kokomo, IN

A herniated disc may be a source of radiating pain in your cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Though your symptoms may be painful, most patients get relief from conservative medical treatments. Jonathan Gentile, MD, of Indiana Spine Group, which has locations in Carmel, Kokomo, and Indianapolis, Indiana, is a pain management physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating herniated disc pain. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book online today.

Herniated Disc Q&A

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc means the gel-like substance inside the intervertebral disc that separates vertebrae has broken through the tough exterior.

Intervertebral discs are tough cushions in-between each vertebral bone that makes up your spine. These discs have a soft, gel-like center encased in a tough exterior (annulus). 

You may develop a herniated disc after an unexpected accident. However, disc damage most often occurs as you get older from disc degeneration, which makes the tough exterior more vulnerable to tearing.

Herniated discs may occur in any part of your spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) spine. 

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

Herniated disc symptoms vary and depend on the location and severity of the herniation, as well as whether the displaced disc is pinching or irritating a spinal nerve.

Symptoms of a herniated disc include:

  • Dull ache
  • Sharp, severe pain
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning
  • Muscle weakness
  • Neuropathy (nerve pain)
  • Radiculopathy (radiating nerve pain)

Herniated lumbar discs are a common cause of sciatica, which is a type of neuropathic pain that causes symptoms that radiate from your lower back and into your leg on one side of your body. 

What can I expect during a herniated disc consultation?

You can expect a comprehensive and patient-focused consultation at Indiana Spine Group for a herniated disc. Dr. Gentile specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic back and neck pain.

During your consultation, Dr. Gentile reviews your symptoms, medical history, and performs a physical exam. He may also request X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies. 

How is a herniated disc treated?

Treatment for a herniated disc at Indiana Spine Group focuses on getting you relief from your symptoms, restoring function, and optimizing rehabilitation. In most cases, patients respond well to conservative treatments, which means no surgery. 

Your conservative herniated disc treatment plan may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Steroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Intracept® Procedure
  • Spinal cord stimulation

If more invasive options are needed for your herniated disc, Dr. Gentile may consult with the other surgeons at Indiana Spine Group.  

Indiana Spine Group also participates in investigational studies. Currently, they’re participating in a study that involves injecting an enzymatic substance into the disc, which “dissolves” the herniation to provide pain relief. 

For the innovative treatment of a herniated disc, call Indiana Spine Group or book online today.

Types of Pain and Conditions Treated

Services Offered