Bulging And Herniated Discs

Age related wear and tear can lead to two very serious conditions, disc bulging or herniation. Sometimes both. But don’t worry. There are things you can do to begin alleviating the pain today!

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Bulging And Herniated Discs

The spinal column is made up of 26 bones (your vertebrae) and 23 discs. Your discs are the cushions between the vertebrates, all along your spinal column. Your discs act as ‘shock absorbers’ that allow for comfortable 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 or not. If it is, it causes the spinal canal to narrow, causing pain.Bulging discs are more common than herniated discs.
  • Herniated discs: are often referred to as slipped discs or ruptured discs. A disc herniation when the ‘inner jelly-like substance’ pushes out of the disc because of tears or defect in the outer cartilage layer. This puts pressure on the spinal nerves, causing pain.

Causes

Discs can bulge or become herniated as part of the normal ageing process and daily wear and tear. However, most people do not experience intense pain as a result. If you begin to experience chronic pain like this, reach out to a medical professional today.

Symptoms

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

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

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

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Digital Guide

Everything you need to know about our services, locations, treatments, frequently asked questions and much more! 

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We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care and services and truly have each individual’s comfort in mind.

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Phone Numbers

Md

(301) 703-8767

Pa

(724) 603-3560

Va

(540) 433-1905

Phone Numbers

Maryland

(301) 703-8767

Md

(301) 703-8767

Pennsylvania

(724) 603-3560

Pa

(724) 603-3560

Virginia

(540) 433-1905

Va

(540) 433-1905

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We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care and services and truly have each individual’s comfort in mind.

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Why Choose Us

we provide

Exceptional Service

Individualized treatment plans and patient care.

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Not Just Your Symptoms

Comprehensive Care

Comprehensive pain management that identifies the source of your pain and provides access to progressive treatments

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Medical Specialists

Board Certified & Fellowship trained providers.

We Treat a Variety of Conditions

In addition to treating chronic back pain, Pain and Spine Specialists offers other innovative and progressive treatments for other pain conditions. Pain and Spine Specialists provide their skilled knowledge and experience for treating neck pain, leg pain, and other pain causing disorders. Our highly qualified doctors efficiently manage your pain symptoms to help return your mobility and functionality.  

Conditions We Treat

Sciatica

“Sciatic Pain” refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg. We will examine you to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

Back Pain

We provide treatments and therapies for back pain. Our treatments are highly individualized and will depend on the underlying cause of pain and severity.

Neck Pain

Neck pain may either occur in a specific area of the neck, or it may radiate along nerves. We will examine you to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

Work Injuries

Workplace injuries are common and can occur at any place and at any time. If you have been injured at work we can help get you back on your feet.

Cancer Pain

Cancer treatment can cause physical pain. Cancer pain can be managed with medication in addition to other individualized treatments.

Headaches

Headaches and migraines are the most common form of pain. Our physicians can help diagnose the cause of your headaches.

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.

Join Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of joints and tissues. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, we will find out the reason for your pain

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Covid-19 update

We are seeing Patients!

We are now seeing patients in the office again! Pain and Spine Specialists is diligently following all recommended CDC guidelines and doing all we can to ensure the safety of our patients. We are happy to schedule you an appointment in-office.

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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Patient 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

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 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 management wouldn't help at all.

Kathleen Tibbs

Get In Touch

At Pain and Spine Specialists we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. We provide tailored services with each individual’s comfort in mind.

Call Us

Maryland
 (301) 703-8767
Pennsylvania
(724) 603-3560
Virginia
(540) 433-1905

Please note: We accept Workers Compensation Insurance and Personal Injury Patients 

Please note: We accept Workers Compensation Insurance and Personal Injury Patients 

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