Bulging And Herniated Discs

Bulging And Herniated Discs

Age related wear and tear can lead to two very prominent conditions, either disc bulging, herniation, or both. But not to worry, there are things you can do to alleviate your pain today.

Age related wear and tear can lead to two very prominent conditions, either disc bulging, herniation, or both. But not to worry, there are things you can do to alleviate your pain today.

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Quick Resources

 What are the causes
what are the symptoms
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No matter what’s causing you pain, we can help. From chronic pain to injury recovery, and everything in between, we provide the high quality pain management so you can live your life.
"From chronic pain to injury recovery, and everything in between, we provide the high quality pain management so you can live your life."

- Dr. sudhir Rao

- Dr. sudhir Rao

About Bulging And Herniated Discs

The spinal column is made up of 26 bones (vertebrae) and 23 discs. Discs are cushions that are perfectly sized to fit between two vertebrae making up the spinal column. These discs are composed of a thick outer layer of cartilage and an inner layer of a jelly-like substance (nucleus). Discs act as shock absorbers and allow for bending, twisting, and flexing.

  • Disc bulging occurs when the disc extends outside its normal space. Disc bulging is usually considered a normal part of aging. The severity of this condition depends on whether the disc is bulging into the spinal canal?when this happens, it causes narrowing of the spinal canal. Bulging discs are more common than herniated discs.
  • Herniated discs: often referred to as slipped discs or ruptured discs. A disc herniation is when the nucleus pulposus (the inner jelly-like substance) pushes out of the disc because of a tear or defect in the cartilage (outer layer). This can put pressure on spinal nerves.

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Lower back pain can make it difficult to perform daily functions. The pain can affect bending, twisting, lifting, walking, standing, sitting and sleeping.

Most lower back pain is acute (short-term), lasting a few days to a few weeks. Home remedies, such as resting, ice and heat, and over-the-counter medications can help. Chronic lower back pain is defined as pain that lasts for 12 weeks or more, even after the underlying cause or injury has been treated.

Lower back pain can range in intensity from a dull ache to a sudden sharp pain. It may radiate to the hips, buttocks, legs or feet and can be described in many ways: burning, aching, throbbing, cramping, stabbing, numbness, tingling or weakness.

Causes Of Bulging And Herniated Discs

Discs can bulge or become herniated as part of a normal process of age-related wear and tear; in fact, most people over age 30 will have some degree of disc problems, but most will not have pain as a result. Injury (such as a fall or car accident) can cause bulging and herniation, as can poor posture or repeated back or neck strain. Some people are also just genetically predisposed to develop disc problems.

Symptoms Of Bulging And Herniated Discs

A herniated disc is more likely to cause pain than a bulging disc. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, weakness, tingling, or burning that radiates to the neck, arms, hands, back, legs and feet, depending on the location of the affected disc. Muscle spasms or cramping can also be symptoms of disc problems.

Diagnosis Of Bulging Or Herniated Discs

Our physicians are board certified, and are dedicated to giving you a comprehensive exam that will aid in diagnosing the cause of your symptoms. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, our doctors will find out the reason for your pain, and then get you on the road to better health right away. Here are a few steps our physicians use when completing their comprehensive exams:

  • We take your complete medical history to identify or rule out possible causes of your pain.
  • We conduct a thorough physical exam
  • We carefully review your symptoms, including how you would describe the pain (burning, achy, dull, etc.) and whether certain positions or activities make the pain feel better or worse
  • We may order diagnostic tests, including MRI, CT scan or discogram, to help us diagnose your chronic pain

Once we have an accurate diagnosis, we will work together with you to create a treatment plan that will effectively address your chronic pain.

Diagnosis Of Bulging Or Herniated Discs

  • Biofeedback
  • Injection therapy
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Intrathecal Pumps
  • Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Trigger point injection
  • Epidural steroid injection
  • Alternative therapies
  • Medication management

Why Choose Us for treatment?

Board Certified and Fellowship trained intervention pain management physicians.
We utilize multiple modalities to improve functionality and quality of life.
We also specialize in holistic and alternative approaches to optimize your vitality.
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We Treat a Variety of Conditions

We Treat a Variety of Conditions

Sciatica

Sciatica or “sciatic pain” refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg.

Join Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation (swelling) of the joints and surrounding tissues.

Neck Pain

Neck pain can occur for a variety of reasons and can make it difficult to perform daily functions.

Workplace Injuries

Approximately 13 people experience a fatal work accident. These accidents can happen at any place and at any time.

Approximately 13 people experience a fatal work accident. 

Cancer Pain

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints & surrounding tissues.

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation (swelling) of the joints and surrounding tissues.

Headache

Almost everyone has had a headache. Headache is the most common form of pain.

Failed Back Surgery

Failed back/neck surgery syndrome occurs when a patient has not had a successful result with spine surgery, and is continuing to experience pain.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons individuals seek medical attention. About 80 percent of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.

Don't See Your Condition Listed?

Contact us using the form below, tell us a little more about your condition and we will do our best to accommodate.

We are seeing Patients!

We are now seeing patients in the office again! Pain & Spine Specialists are happy to take appointments for in-person visits again, and we are following all recommended CDC Guidelines. 

Please call us in Maryland at 301-703-8767, 724-603-3560 in Pennsylvania, or 540-433-1905 in Virginia to make an appointment.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

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Get The Pain Management You Deserve

Pain Management You Deserve

No matter what's causing you pain, we can help. From chronic pain to injury recovery, and everything in between, we provide patients with quality care, so you can live a full life. We serve patients in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Schedule an appointment with our pain specialists today at the office that’s most convenient to you.

We serve patients in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Schedule an appointment with our pain specialists today at the office that’s most convenient to you.
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Our patient care

Body On Fire

Body On Fire

AVAILABLE NOW!

Dr. Jyothi Rao’s new book is now available.

Body on Fire: How inflammation triggers chronic illness and the Tools we have to fight it.

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Meet Our Providers

At Pain and Spine Specialists our team of physicians are committed to give you the best treatment available anywhere in the PA/MD/DC/VA area. We know that neck pain, back pain, whiplash, or any other condition can be debilitating to you, so our promise is to treat you with the most up to date minimal invasive techniques with the best professional care available. We are honored to serve you and are committed to seeing that your trust is rewarded.

At Pain and Spine Specialists our team of physicians are committed to give you the best treatment available anywhere in the PA/MD/DC/VA area.

Dr. Sudhir

rao


Dr. Sudhir rao

Medical doctor

Dr. Suhas badarinath

MEDICAL DOCTOR

dr. greg hites

DNP, FNP-BC, Nurse practiioner

dr. nishant gandhi

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

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Our Reviews

I Love the way they all listen to you no matter what it's about. I Love how they make sure your feeling fine & how they find other ways to help you. They are a wonderful team & I am so glad I found them.

- Rubin Bungard

Kind and compassionate staff. I've been a patient here for 4 months now....my quality of life definitely improved. I recommend this practice.
_

- David Kasiorek

I have struggled with Drs 14 years. Set back in time by a motorcycle accident. No one would consider what I was going through.

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- Sharon Orwig

I have now been with Dr. Rao for 12 years. He is the most caring Doctor I have ever been to! Dr. Rao makes you feel very comfortable at all times. I would not want to go to any other Doctor.

- Theresa Robinson

I LOVE this place. Dr B and Dr Rao saved my life. In 2014, I could only walk about 15ft and had to use a wheelchair. It happened so quickly to me. I had extreme pain in my back, and legs. My other pain mgmt wouldn't help at all.

- Kathleen Tibbs

Dr Rao is MY Absolute Favorite Doctor! Love him! His staff at Mt Airy and in Frederick, Maryland are the best of the best. Caring, kind and very friendly. I would recommend anyone to seek out Dr Rao and his staff in a heartbeat.

- Randee Fischer

I can't say enough about P.A.S.S. I want to say thank you first ! I've been cared for for over two years. They worked with me to find what works best for me. I have allergies to certain treatments.

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- Mark Kurutz

Always a friendly staff. Truly concerned with patients well-being but also listens carefully to patients concerns and works collaboratively to Foster a treatment plan working together.

- Damon Casseday

I have always been treated well by the staff. The doctors are wonderful. And they show that they truly care. They take the time to listen to your problems.I really like the woman up front . The nurses are also very caring.

- Janet Smith

I ABSOLUTELY recommend this GROUP OF DOCTORS!!! I have been with them around 4 years or so and just recently found myself more comfortable with them! Greensburg office take 20 minutes to get there... it’s well worth it in my case!!

- Denise Fabian

The staff at PASS in Connellsville Pa. are probably the most courteous, helpful, and professional group of individuals I've ever had the opportunity to deal with! I have been a patient of theirs going on 5 yrs now and have never had a bad visit!

- John Borza

The Doctors and Staff are amazing. I would recommend P.A.S.S. to anyone suffering from chronic pain. They listen and suggest treatments that are good for the specific problem you have. No long waits either , staff is on the ball ! 🙂

- Debbie Lang

Staff and doctors are very personable and professional! They make you feel welcome and appreciated. They are very conscientious and concerned about you and your pain..

- Chris Degrave

All staff is very helpful and very friendly and the doctors take time to with you and answer any questions,they really are here to make sure you get the care you need

- Rebecca Keller

I love the staff they are very friendly and helpful. The doctor always take the time to explain things to were you are able to understand. They really do care about their patients.

- Lisa Baldwin

Outstanding service and Dr Aaron Kime is a great dr. He listens and makes sure you are doing good and genuinely wants to help you.

- Luella Lint

Everyone here is so kind and accommodating, Dr, Hites always takes his time with me and listens to what i say. They have helped me tremendously and i always recommend them to my friends.

- Mario Domico

Dr Gandhi excellent doctor very caring helps you get to the problem at hand most of the ladies who work there are very pleasant and friendly.

- Deb Krivanek

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At Pain and Spine Specialists we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care and services and truly have each individual’s comfort in mind.

Our mission is to make each patient who walks through our doors feel as comfortable as possible. Extensive research has been conducted and analyzed regarding what patients find unappealing about a doctor’s office visit.

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At Pain and Spine Specialists we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care and services and truly have each individual’s comfort in mind.

Maryland

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 (301) 703-8767

Pennsylvania

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 (724) 603-3560

Virginia

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 (540) 443-1905

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Please note: we are accepting Workers Compensation Insurance to treat injured workers.

Please note: we are accepting Workers Compensation Insurance to treat injured workers.

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