Herniated & Bulging Disc Treatment with Dr. Shah-Naz Khan in Flint, MI
A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped or bulging disc, happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer and presses on a nearby nerve. This can cause back or neck pain, or pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg. Herniated disc treatment usually starts with non-surgical care.
What it is
A spinal disc that pushes out and can press on a nearby nerve.
Common symptoms
Back or neck pain, plus pain, numbness, or tingling down an arm or leg.
Who it affects
Common in adults roughly 30 to 50, and with age-related disc wear.
When it is urgent
Leg weakness, groin numbness, or bladder or bowel changes. Call 911.
Conservative vs surgical
Most improve without surgery; surgery mainly for lasting nerve compression.
What is a herniated disc?
Each disc in your spine has a soft, jelly-like center and a tougher outer ring, a bit like a jelly doughnut. A herniated disc is when some of that soft center pushes through a weak spot in the outer ring. If it presses on a nearby nerve, it can cause pain that travels into an arm or leg.
You may also hear the terms "bulging disc" and "slipped disc." A bulging disc is when the disc broadly pushes outward but the outer ring is still intact; it is usually milder. A herniated disc is when the inner material actually breaks through. "Slipped disc" is a common nickname, though the disc does not truly slip out of place.
A herniated disc is one of the degenerative spine conditions Dr. Khan treats, and it is closely related to degenerative disc disease.
Bulging vs. herniated
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Symptoms depend on where the disc is and whether it presses on a nerve. Most are common and improve with time; a few warning signs on the right are emergencies.
Common symptoms
Common and worth a specialist review if they persist or limit your daily life.
- Pain that travels down a leg (sciatica) or into an arm
- Numbness or tingling in a leg, foot, arm, or hand
- Back or neck pain, often worse with sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing
- Weakness in a specific muscle, such as difficulty lifting the foot
Seek emergency care now if…
These can mean nerves are being seriously compressed (cauda equina syndrome). Do not wait. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
- New loss of control over your bladder or bowels
- Numbness in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs
- Sudden, severe, or quickly worsening weakness in a leg
- Severe pain and weakness after a significant injury or fall
What causes a herniated disc?
Herniated discs often come from everyday wear plus a triggering movement. Several factors raise the risk.
Common causes
- Age-related wear that makes discs more likely to tear
- Lifting with the back instead of the legs, or twisting while lifting
- A sudden strain, awkward movement, or minor injury
- Repeated bending, lifting, or heavy physical work
Risk factors
- Age, most common between about 30 and 50
- Excess body weight, which adds load to the discs
- Smoking, which can weaken disc tissue
- A physically demanding job or a family history of disc problems
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a physical exam, then imaging that shows the disc and any nerve pressure.
History & exam
Your symptoms plus a check of strength, reflexes, sensation, and nerve-tension tests like a straight-leg raise.
MRI
The best test to see the disc, the herniation, and whether it is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord.
CT scan
Detailed bone views, useful when an MRI is not possible, sometimes with dye (CT myelogram).
X-ray
Does not show discs directly, but helps rule out other causes such as fracture or alignment problems.
How is a herniated disc treated?
Most herniated discs improve over weeks without surgery. Surgery is considered for lasting nerve compression, weakness, or pain that does not settle.
Activity & physical therapy
Staying gently active, avoiding aggravating movements, and guided exercises help most people recover.
Medication & injections
Anti-inflammatory medicines and, in some cases, an epidural steroid injection can calm nerve pain.
Microdiscectomy
A minimally invasive surgery that removes the small piece of disc pressing on the nerve, for lasting leg or arm symptoms.
Neck option (ACDF)
For a neck herniation, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can remove the disc and relieve the nerve.
Give the body time, operate when it helps
Many herniated discs settle on their own as the body reabsorbs the herniated material, so Dr. Khan usually starts with non-surgical care and gives it time. Surgery is considered when severe or worsening weakness is present, or when leg or arm pain does not improve after a fair trial of non-surgical care.
Every case is reviewed by Dr. Khan personally, and surgery is recommended only when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. You will get a clear, honest explanation of the trade-offs, with time for your questions. Second opinions are welcome →
What shapes the plan
Recovery and what to expect
Most herniated discs improve over several weeks. With non-surgical care, the aim is to control pain, keep you gently moving, and let the herniation settle, supported by exercises you continue at home.
If surgery is needed, a microdiscectomy often relieves leg or arm pain quickly, and many people go home the same day or after a short stay, then build activity back up over a few weeks. A neck fusion needs longer for the bones to heal. Your care team will explain your specific timeline and activity limits. These are general patterns, not a promise about any one person's recovery.
Follow-up visits let Dr. Khan check your progress and adjust the plan as you heal.
General recovery patterns
Spine care from a neurosurgeon focused on the nerves
Shah-Naz Khan, MD, FRCSC, FAANS is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon whose practice includes the full range of spine disorders, from disc herniations to complex spinal problems. As a neurosurgeon, she focuses on the nerves and spinal cord, which is exactly what a herniated disc can affect.
She founded the Institute of General and Endovascular Neurosurgery in Flint, Michigan in 2014 on a simple standard: excellence, ethics, and integrity. Every case is personally evaluated by Dr. Khan, surgery is recommended only when it is truly in your best interest, and second opinions are genuinely welcomed. Explore spine care →
Why patients choose IGEN
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
- Treats the full range of spine disorders, conservative and surgical
- Every case personally reviewed by Dr. Khan, not delegated
- Least-invasive-first, surgery only when the benefit outweighs the risk
- Second opinions welcomed
Herniated disc: frequently asked questions
What is a herniated disc?
What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
How long does a herniated disc take to heal?
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
What exercises should I avoid with a herniated disc?
When does a herniated disc need surgery?
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Khan about a herniated disc?
Shooting leg or arm pain from a disc? Get a clear plan.
Whether you were told you have a herniated or bulging disc or you are still looking for answers, Dr. Khan will review your case personally and walk you through your options, from conservative care to surgery, calmly and honestly.
- Request a consultation by phone or through the contact form.
- Share any MRI, CT, X-ray, or reports you already have.
- Meet Dr. Khan for a personal review and a clear, honest plan.
- Our team will follow up to confirm your appointment .