Cervical Herniated Discs Treated in Houston, Cypress, Tomball & The Woodlands, TX
If you’re considering surgery to address a painful herniated disc in your neck (cervical spine), you have some important decisions to make. For personalized advice, turn to R. Alexander Mohr, MD. Dr. Mohr is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who practices with Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Houston, Cypress, Tomball and The Woodlands, Texas. Dr. Mohr can help you learn about the latest treatment options for cervical herniated discs so you can make fully informed choices with confidence.
Start With Conservative Treatment
After thoroughly evaluating your symptoms, diagnosis and lifestyle, Dr. Mohr may suggest that you try conservative therapy, which may provide the relief you need without surgery. In fact, cervical herniated disc surgery is generally viewed as a last-resort treatment. That’s because many patients achieve positive results with nonsurgical therapies, such as:
- Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, postural improvement, ergonomic workplace adjustments and smoking cessation
- A targeted fitness program that includes stretching and low-impact exercise
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
With that said, no two patients or cervical herniated discs are exactly alike. Furthermore, a combination of treatments may prove to be more effective than a single option used on its own, and it can take some time to find the optimal approach. It’s important to be persistent and stay focused—at least for several weeks—to allow the treatments enough time to produce noticeable results.
If Cervical Herniated Disc Surgery Enters the Equation
Conservative treatment can be effective for relieving the symptoms of a cervical herniated disc. However, unlike surgery, it cannot address the underlying spinal issue at its source. If you are ready to move forward with surgical treatment, such as a cervical disc replacement, Dr. Mohr can explain the different procedures and techniques that can be used to address your cervical herniated disc. For instance, you may have a choice between traditional open spine surgery and minimally invasive outpatient surgery.
If you would like to discuss your neck pain with Dr. Mohr, contact his office to request an appointment at one of his several convenient office locations in Houston, Cypress, Tomball or The Woodlands, TX. If you decide to proceed with surgical treatment, Dr. Mohr will help you find the least invasive option that can potentially provide you with sufficient symptom relief.