Herniated Disc & Sciatica

A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer wall and presses on a nerve. In the lower back, this often causes sciatica: pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg. In the neck, it can cause pain or weakness in the arm.

Dr. Robert Ames, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, treats herniated discs and sciatica for patients in Sewell, Cherry Hill, and across South Jersey.

Most patients improve without surgery

The majority of disc herniations improve within six to twelve weeks with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, activity changes, and, when needed, an epidural steroid injection.

When surgery helps

Surgery is considered when pain persists despite conservative care, or sooner if there is significant weakness. Options include:

Endoscopic discectomy, through an incision under one centimeter
Tubular microdiscectomy
Cervical artificial disc replacement for neck herniations

Seek care right away if

You develop loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency.

Common questions

How long is recovery after a microdiscectomy? Most patients go home the same day and return to desk work within one to two weeks.

Schedule a consultation

Call (609) 267-9400 to see Dr. Ames at Virtua Reconstructive Orthopaedics in Sewell or Cherry Hill, NJ.