Herniated Disc Treatment New Jersey

Herniated Disc Treatment With a Focus on Avoiding Surgery

Hearing that you have a herniated disc can be overwhelming. Many patients immediately worry they’ll need surgery or that their spine has been permanently damaged.

Fortunately, that’s rarely the case. In Dr. Todd Koppel’s experience, more than 95 percent of patients improve without surgery.

Most herniated discs can be successfully treated with personalized, minimally invasive treatment options that reduce inflammation, relieve pressure on irritated nerves, restore function, and help many patients avoid surgery.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey find relief from herniated discs through conservative, evidence-based treatment designed to relieve pain and restore function whenever possible.

“A herniated disc diagnosis can feel ominous, requiring a long and involved treatment process.. Patients often walk into my office certain that surgery is around the corner. What I tell them, and what I mean, is that surgery is rarely necessary. The key is identifying exactly which disc is causing symptoms, which nerve is being compressed, and choosing the right targeted treatment for that specific situation,” says Dr. Koppel.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Between each bone in your spine is a disc that acts as a cushion and shock absorber.

A herniated disc occurs when the soft center pushes through a tear in the outer layer of the disc.

If the disc presses against a nearby nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Herniated discs can develop gradually because of aging and degeneration or suddenly after lifting, twisting, or an injury.

Symptoms by Location

Lower Back Herniated Disc

• Dull or sharp lower back pain, often worse with sitting or bending forward
• Shooting pain down one leg into the calf or foot
• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
• Weakness in the leg or foot

Neck Herniated Disc

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Pain shooting from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
• Weakness when gripping or lifting

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc may develop because of:

• Age related disc degeneration
• Heavy lifting
• Twisting injuries
• Repetitive stress
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries

Some herniated discs cause no symptoms, while others place significant pressure on nearby nerves.

Will a Herniated Disc Heal on Its Own

Some can, particularly smaller herniations in younger patients, where the body gradually reabsorbs the disc material over several weeks. But many do not resolve without treatment, especially when the compression is significant.

There’s also a practical concern of nerve compression that goes untreated can lead to progressive weakness and longer recovery times. Earlier treatment consistently leads to better outcomes.

How Dr. Koppel Diagnoses a Herniated Disc

Not every disc abnormality seen on MRI is responsible for a patient’s pain.

Dr. Todd Koppel combines:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• MRI findings
• Diagnostic injections when appropriate

This allows him to determine whether the herniated disc is truly responsible for your symptoms before recommending treatment.

Treatment Options

Epidural Steroid Injections

The cornerstone of non-surgical herniated disc care involves epidural steroid injections. A precisely placed injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly around the compressed nerve root. Most patients notice significant improvement within a few days.

Lumbar or Cervical Injection Therapy

Targeted lumber and cervical injection therapy addresses the specific nerve root being compressed, whether in the neck or lower back, guided by imaging for precise placement.

Minimally Invasive Discectomy

For herniations not responding sufficiently to injections, a minimally invasive discectomy procedure removes or reduces the disc material pressing on the nerve through a needle-sized access point, without an open incision. Most patients get to go home the same day.

PRP and Regenerative Therapy

In selected patients with disc tears or early degeneration, PRP therapy can promote healing of the disc tissue itself, reducing pain and slowing progression.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Schedule an evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent back or neck pain
• Pain traveling into an arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Symptoms lasting longer than several weeks

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop loss of bowel or bladder control or numbness in the groin area.

Why Choose Dr. Todd Koppel?

Successful treatment begins with understanding whether your herniated disc is actually causing your symptoms.

Dr. Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey diagnose and treat herniated discs using advanced interventional pain management techniques and personalized treatment plans.

Patients choose Dr. Koppel because he offers:

• Nearly 30 years treating herniated discs
• Trusted by patients with 1,000+ five-star reviews
• Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology
• Board Certified in Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology
• Fellowship Trained in Interventional Pain Management
• Earned his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College
• Fellowship training at The New York Hospital and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
• Advanced image guided procedures
• Personalized treatment plans
• Conservative care before surgery
• Expertise in minimally invasive spine procedures

At Garden State Pain Management, every treatment plan is designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible.