Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
A herniated disc can transform daily life into a series of painful obstacles. Whether you're struggling to sit through a workday, finding it difficult to play with your children, or lying awake at night because of radiating pain down your leg, disc problems demand attention. The discomfort often starts gradually but can intensify into sharp, shooting sensations that make even simple movements challenging.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we understand the impact a herniated disc can have on your quality of life. Dr. Edward Scheid brings over 20 years of experience and more than 8,000 successful surgeries to our Mount Laurel practice, helping patients find relief through both conservative treatments and advanced minimally invasive procedures. Our approach focuses on providing personalized care that addresses your specific condition while minimizing recovery time and maximizing results.
Understanding Herniated Discs
The spine consists of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs that act as cushions between the bones. These discs have a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. When the outer layer tears or weakens, the inner material can push through, creating what we call a herniated disc.
This condition can occur anywhere along the spine, but most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). When the herniated material presses against nearby nerves, it triggers pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that often radiates into the arms or legs. The severity of symptoms varies widely — some patients experience mild discomfort, while others face debilitating pain that disrupts every aspect of their lives.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consider scheduling a consultation with the experts at NeuroSpine Plus for evaluation and herniated disc treatment in Mount Laurel, NJ.
Common Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment
Herniated disc symptoms depend on the location and severity of the herniation. In the lower back, patients typically experience sciatica — sharp pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Neck herniations often cause pain that radiates into the shoulder and down the arm, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling in the fingers.
You might also notice muscle weakness that makes it difficult to lift objects, hold items, or walk normally. Some patients describe a pins-and-needles sensation or a feeling that their arm or leg has "fallen asleep." If you're experiencing loss of bladder or bowel control, severe weakness, or progressive numbness, these require immediate medical evaluation as they may indicate a more serious condition.
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Diagnosis and Evaluation
At our Mount Laurel location, Dr. Scheid begins with a comprehensive physical examination and detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history. We assess your range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and the specific areas where you’re experiencing pain or numbness. This initial evaluation helps us understand the extent of nerve involvement and guides our diagnostic approach.
Advanced imaging studies provide crucial information about your spine’s condition. MRI scans offer detailed views of soft tissues, including discs and nerves, allowing us to pinpoint the exact location and severity of herniation. CT scans may be used to evaluate bone structures, while X-rays help rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. We review all diagnostic results with you, explaining what we see and what it means for your treatment options.
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Conservative Treatment Approaches
Many herniated discs respond well to conservative management. We typically begin with non-surgical interventions, which can include rest, activity modification, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. Physical therapy plays a vital role in strengthening the muscles that support your spine and improving flexibility.
Targeted exercises, stretching, and manual therapy techniques can relieve pressure on affected nerves and promote healing. We may also recommend epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around compressed nerve roots, providing temporary relief while your body heals. The goal of conservative treatment is to give your body time to reabsorb the herniated material and reduce nerve irritation naturally.
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Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
When conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief after several weeks or months, or if you’re experiencing severe neurological symptoms, surgery may be necessary. We prioritize minimally invasive techniques that use smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and advanced imaging guidance. These approaches cause less tissue damage, reduce post-operative pain, and speed recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Microdiscectomy removes the portion of the herniated disc pressing on the nerve, relieving pressure and allowing the nerve to heal. For cervical herniations, we may perform an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), which removes the damaged disc and stabilizes the spine. Artificial disc replacement offers another option for appropriate candidates, preserving motion at the affected level while eliminating the source of pain. Dr. Scheid’s extensive experience with these procedures ensures you receive precise, effective treatment tailored to your specific needs.
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What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery timelines vary based on the treatment approach and the severity of your condition. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery typically experience less post-operative discomfort and return to normal activities more quickly than those who have traditional open procedures. Most people can walk shortly after surgery and return home the same day or after a brief hospital stay.
Physical therapy begins soon after surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and proper movement patterns. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and closely monitor your progress through follow-up appointments. While some patients notice immediate relief from nerve-related symptoms, others experience gradual improvement as inflammation subsides and healing progresses. We’re with you every step of the way, adjusting your recovery plan as needed to support optimal outcomes.
Why Choose NeuroSpine Plus in Mount Laurel
Living with a herniated disc doesn't have to mean accepting chronic pain or limited mobility. At NeuroSpine Plus, we combine Dr. Scheid's extensive experience with advanced minimally invasive techniques to help you find lasting relief. We use the latest minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art technology to achieve superior results with fewer complications and faster recoveries. Our Mount Laurel practice offers convenient access to advanced spine care for patients throughout South Jersey.
Whether you're exploring conservative treatment options or considering surgery, we're here to guide you toward the solution that's right for your unique situation. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: July 24, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.