The pediatric orthopedic specialists with Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville (COOL), affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, are the foremost providers of herniated disc care in children in Louisville, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. Our fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic specialists provide specialized care for children and teens with herniated discs.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Disc herniation, or a herniated disc as it is often called, has become more common in children. A herniated disc happens when one of the discs, or cushions between the vertebrae in the spine, moves out of position. The disc then presses on adjacent nerves. The discs have a soft center and a hard outside. A hernia is when the soft side is exposed due to a disc cracking. This also is called a “pinched nerve” or “bulging disc.”

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disc can include:

• Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both legs
• Pain in the back
• Pain in one or both of the legs

Herniated Disc Treatment

The pediatric orthopedic specialists with COOL will create a unique herniated disc treatment plan based on a child’s age, diagnosis and current condition. While physical therapy often is the first line of treatment, other treatments can include discectomy, a surgery to remove the disc. Children and teens usually do better than adults after this type of surgery.