Spinal Disc Herniation

Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. Most herniated discs affect the lower back (lumbar spine) or occur in the neck (cervical spine). More rarely, herniation can occur in the mid-back (thoracic spine).

Conservative treatment, including bed rest and non-steroidal medication, can often resolve mild cases of disc herniation. When the spinal cord is significantly compressed or when treatment fails to resolve symptoms, minimally invasive discectomy can be performed, depending on the where the herniation is located.

Because surgical procedures for cervical, thoracic and lumbar disc herniation can differ, each Barnes-Jewish & Washington University Spine Center patient is treated by a surgeon who specializes in a specific area, matching them to the precise treatment techniques needed.

Physician Specialists - Cervical Disc Herniation

• Jacob Buchowski, MD, orthopedic surgery 
• K. Daniel Riew, MD, orthopedic surgery 
• Paul Santiago, MD, neurosurgery
• Neill Wright, MD, neurosurgery
• Lukas Zebala, MD, orthopedic surgery

Physician Specialists - Thoracic and Lumbar Disc Herniation

• Jacob Buchowski, MD, orthopedic surgery 
• Paul Santiago, MD, neurosurgery
• Neill Wright, MD, neurosurgery
• Lukas Zebala, MD, orthopedic surgery

For a referral to a Washington University orthopedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call .