Herniated Disc
A herniated disc can cause severe back pain and neurological symptoms. We diagnose precisely and develop a treatment plan tailored to your situation.
- Covered by insurance
- Often same-day appointment
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft core of an intervertebral disc shifts and presses on nerves. This can cause severe back pain that radiates into the legs (sciatica) or arms, sometimes with numbness or weakness. Most herniated discs heal conservatively without surgery. We offer comprehensive diagnostics with imaging and develop an individual treatment plan from physiotherapy to pain management.
TREATMENT
How avi Helps You
In Germany, over 100,000 people suffer a herniated disc every year.
To prevent long-term consequences, comprehensive treatment in such cases is essential. Our experienced doctors are here to support you at all our locations.
OVERVIEW
Diagnosis
A herniated disc can be categorised into three stages depending on its severity, resulting in different diagnoses. These are:
- disc protrusion (bulging disc) — the disc nucleus is only slightly displaced
- disc prolapse (herniated disc) — the disc nucleus is displaced and damaged to the extent that material has extruded
- disc sequestration — the extruded disc material has completely lost its connection to the disc nucleus
OVERVIEW
Causes & Risk Factors
Possible causes of a herniated disc include, among others:
- natural age-related wear and tear (from the age of 20, the water content of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus decreases, making them more susceptible to injury)
- incorrect movement (heavy lifting)
- accidents (falls onto the back)
OVERVIEW
Typical Symptoms
The typical symptoms of a herniated disc are:
- sharp, sudden onset pain
- depending on the level at which the affected disc is located: neck pain radiating into the arms, pain in the back or rib arches, or pain in the lumbar region radiating into the legs
- sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness
- muscle weakness
- absent reflexes
- in particularly severe cases in the lumbar region: bladder and continence disturbances, erectile dysfunction, complete paralysis of the legs
TREATMENT
Our Treatment Approach
Comprehensive treatment of a herniated disc begins with diagnostics. This helps to distinguish an acute emergency from simple back pain and includes:
- taking a medical history
- reflex and sensory testing
- functional assessment (standing, gait) and orthopaedic flexion tests
- in hospital: X-ray, MRI, or CT of the spine
This is followed by multimodal therapy combining various approaches, which includes:
- pain management
- physiotherapy
- heat therapy
- massage
- for mild herniated discs: muscle strengthening
- education and movement training (correct lifting, carrying, lying)
- in emergency situations: hospital admission for surgical treatment
And to prevent a herniated disc from occurring in the first place — prevention is an important pillar for us at avi. This consists of the following elements:
- adequate physical activity
- back school
- regular check-ups
- maintaining a healthy weight
HOW IT WORKS
How an Appointment Works
We take time for thorough diagnostics and an individual treatment plan.
- 1
History & Consultation
We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle in detail and take time for your questions.
~15 min
- 2
Clinical Examination
A thorough physical examination and, if needed, additional diagnostics (e.g., blood draw, ECG, ultrasound).
~15-20 min
- 3
Findings & Diagnosis
We discuss your results and explain what they mean for your health in clear terms.
~10 min
- 4
Treatment Plan & Follow-up
Together we develop an individual treatment plan and arrange follow-up appointments as needed.
ongoing
PREPARATION & AFTERCARE
Preparation & Aftercare
Before the appointment
Bring your insurance card
Please remember your health insurance card and any referral if applicable.
Pack previous findings
Current findings, doctor's letters, or imaging from previous treatments help us provide better care.
Medication list
A current list of your medications (incl. dosage) is very helpful.
After the appointment
Follow your treatment plan
Stick to the agreed treatment plan and medication intake.
Schedule follow-up
Arrange a follow-up appointment promptly for monitoring.
Report worsening symptoms
Contact us if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
Costs & insurance
Covered by statutory insurance
Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.
Private / self-pay
on request