Cervical Herniated Disc

Hip & Knee Specialists - Lowcountry Orthopaedics, Charleston, SC

Injuries don’t keep office hours. When its urgent, get diagnosed and recover fast when you go straight to the orthopedic experts with Ortho After Hours.

As premier hip and knee replacement surgeons in Charleston, SC, Dr. Zimlich and Dr. Stem alleviate patient pain and discomfort using innovative techniques and technologies. Concentrating exclusively on knee and hip replacement, the Lowcountry Orthopaedics Hip and Knee Specialists operate at the Lowcountry Orthopaedics Surgery Center and area hospitals per patient preference.

Top rated for eight years in a row as Charleston’s Choice for best orthopedic surgeons, countless of satisfied patients walk away with a pain free, natural feeling knee or hip. From custom total knee arthroplasty using 3D printing to the area’s first and only outpatient surgery center based robotic knee replacement program, patients trust Lowcountry Orthopaedics Hip and Knee Specialists.

Signature services include:

  • Custom total knee arthroplasty using 3D printing
  • Same day robotic knee replacement program
  • Personalized joint replacement experience
  • Dedicated team of nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists
  • Proven outcomes for quick recovery and pain-free lives

Same day appointments are available at one of our convenient North Charleston, Summerville, or Daniel Island locations.

Treatment

Most herniated discs will heal over time. The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Most symptoms will improve in 6- 8 weeks if the disc is healing.

Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Pain medications
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Steroid pills to reduce inflammation

Spinal Injections

Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections reduce inflammation within the spinal canal and provide an environment for the disc to heal. Up to three injections may be performed over a 6 – 8 week period of time.

Disc Replacement Surgery

The herniated disc is removed and an artificial disc is placed. This is an option for those who have an otherwise normal disc that ruptured. If the disc has too much degeneration already, a replacement cannot be performed.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion

The herniated disc is removed and a bone spacer is placed to keep the disc space from collapsing. A titanium plate is placed in front to keep the bone in place and stabilize the spine.

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Services

General Info

Cervical Herniated Disc

Cervical Spondylosis

Degenerative Disc Disease

ExcelsiusGPS™

Lumbar Herniated Disc

Scoliosis

Spinal Stenosis

Spine disorders

Spine fusion

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Cervical radiculopathy

Monday - Thursday 5pm to 7pm Saturday 8am to 12pm

No appointment necessary.
Call 843-266-4884 for information.

Causes

Herniated discs usually occur by an injury. The disc is usually weakened by wear and tear over time, making it susceptible to injury. The injury may be severe (car wreck or fall) or mild (cough or sneeze). In some cases, the patient cannot remember a specific event that caused the herniation.

Symptoms

  • Neck pain: The most common symptom. Pain can occur in the neck and radiate in between the shoulder blades.
  • Headaches: There are many causes of headaches, but a herniated disc in the neck can cause posterior headaches.
  • Arm pain: The disc usually ruptures to one side and pain is experienced running into the shoulder or arm on that side. The affected arm may also feel numb, tingle or burn. Weakness can also occur.

Severe symptoms are rare, but may include urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder) or leg weakness and balance problems.

Diagnostics

Tests your doctor may order to evaluate your herniated disc include:

 

  • History and physical examination
  • X-rays
  • MRI – to show which disc is herniated and which nerve is involved
  • Neurologic testing
  • EMG/nerve conduction studies to determine if there is any nerve damage and to rule out other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar neuropathy

Lowcountry Orthopaedics’ Spine Team

Christopher Battista, MD

Christopher Battista, MD

Spine Surgeon

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Don Stovall, Jr, MD

Don Stovall, Jr, MD

Spine Surgeon

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Carey Lennon, PA-C

Carey Lennon, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Kylie Smith, FNP

Kylie Smith, FNP

Nurse Practitioner

Hip & Knee Specialists

Fast forward to feeling better with Lowcountry Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons that specialize in joint reconstruction and hip and knee surgery.

Same Day Appointments

Meet The Hip and Knee Team
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Same-Day Joint Replacement

The benefits of same-day total hip or knee replacement surgery include fast recovery, lower risk of infection, no risk of hospital-acquired illness, cost reduction, and increased patient satisfaction. Patients interested in same-day joint surgery should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Zimlich to review their medical profile for candidacy.

Joint Replacement Surgery
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