Back Pain That Doesn’t Go Away? It Could Be a Herniated Disc
Many Houston-area patients visit CLS Health pain management clinics with ongoing neck or lower back pain that turns out to be a herniated disc, often called a “slipped disc.”
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a small tear in its outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain or numbness.
At CLS Health, our multidisciplinary team of pain management, interventional spine, and physical medicine specialists provides comprehensive care across Houston, Katy, Webster, Friendswood, Pearland, and Sugar Land.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc can result from age-related wear and tear, known as disc degeneration, or from repetitive strain and poor posture. Lifting heavy objects incorrectly or sudden trauma may also cause injury.
Common risk factors include:
- Long hours of sitting
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking, which reduces disc hydration
Whether you’re commuting or working long hours, your daily habits can put extra pressure on your spine.
Herniated Disc Symptoms – When to See a Pain Specialist
Typical symptoms include:
- Sharp or radiating pain down your leg (sciatica) or arm
- Numbness or tingling in hands, legs, or feet
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
- Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or coughing
If these symptoms persist or worsen, schedule an evaluation promptly. Early diagnosis can prevent lasting nerve damage.
Bulging vs. Herniated Disc – What’s the Difference?
Think of a spinal disc as a jelly donut:
- Bulging disc: The donut bulges outward but doesn’t break.
- Herniated disc: The inner “jelly” leaks out, pressing on nearby nerves.
Both can cause pain, but herniated discs often lead to more severe nerve irritation and may need targeted treatment.
Self-Care & At-Home Relief for a Herniated Disc
If your symptoms are mild, these self-care strategies can help manage discomfort:
- Over-the-counter back pain relief, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc., as directed by your provider
- Gentle stretching or prescribed herniated disc exercises
- Alternating heat and ice therapy
- Short-term rest, followed by gradual movement
When to Seek Professional Herniated Disc Treatment
See a pain specialist if:
- Pain persists for more than 2–4 weeks despite conservative care.
- You experience weakness, numbness, or tingling
- Pain radiates below the knee or into the arms
- If pain is severe in nature and affecting sleep, movement, or work.
Early intervention at CLS Health can help prevent chronic pain and nerve damage.
Advanced Treatment Options at CLS Health Pain Management Clinics
At CLS Health, our specialists offer minimally invasive, evidence-based care across multiple Houston-area locations.
Treatment options include:
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Facet joint blocks/injections for localized pain (If pain is not related to disc herniation)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Minimally invasive spine procedures for severe cases
- Prescription strength anti-inflammatories or other pain medications for short-term relief.
Our team in Katy, Webster, Friendswood, Lake Jackson, Pearland, and Sugar Land collaborates to design a personalized care plan that fits your needs.
Recovery Timeline – Will a Herniated Disc Heal?
Many patients improve within a few weeks of proper care. However, recovery time varies depending on the severity of nerve compression and response to therapy.
With appropriate treatment, most people experience significant relief in 4–6 weeks and may avoid the need for surgery
Preventing Future Disc Problems
Prevention is part of lasting spine health. We recommend:
- Strengthening core, back, and glute muscles
- Practicing good posture and ergonomics
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying active with low-impact exercise
Our pain management team can help you build a personalized prevention plan to protect your spine.
Get Lasting Relief from Herniated Disc Pain
At CLS Health, our pain management and interventional spine specialists provide compassionate, minimally invasive care for herniated disc pain at convenient locations across Houston, Katy, Webster, Friendswood, Pasadena, Pearland, Lake Jackson, and Sugar Land.
Whether you need a diagnosis, non-surgical relief, or advanced interventional treatment, we’ll help you find comfort and mobility again.
Contact us or schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward relief and a pain-free life.
FAQs
A back strain often feels sore or tight in the muscles and typically improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. A herniated disc is more likely to cause sharp pain that travels down the leg (sciatica) or down the arm, sometimes with numbness, tingling, or weakness. Your physician may recommend an MRI to evaluate the root cause of your problem.
Yes. Most herniated discs improve over time with rest, activity changes, and guided exercises. If pain is severe, lasts several weeks, or comes with numbness or weakness, it’s a good idea to be evaluated by a qualified physician.
A bulging disc means the disc is pushing outward, but the outer layer is still mostly intact. A herniated disc (sometimes called a “slipped disc”) means part of the disc material pushes out more and can cause inflammation and irritates the nearby nerves.
Consider an evaluation if pain lasts more than 2–4 weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with sleep, work, or daily activities. Seek urgent care if you develop new weakness, trouble controlling bladder/bowels, numbness in the groin area, fever, or severe worsening pain.
Often-safe options include gentle stretching, core-strengthening/stabilization, and low-impact activity like walking, swimming, or a stationary bike. The best plan depends on which disc is affected, so it’s safe to follow a program from a clinician or physical therapist.