Herniated disc

The pediatric spine specialists with Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine are the foremost providers of herniated disc care in children in Louisville, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. Our fellowship-trained pediatric spine 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

Our pediatric spine specialists 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.

Why Choose Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine

  • Children need spine care that’s unique to their growing bodies. We use a team approach to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate spine and spinal cord conditions in children.
  • As surgeons, our specialists have the experience to know when surgery can help your child and when more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and bracing, can help. Most of our patients don’t need surgery.
  • Locations in Hikes Point and downtown Louisville are staffed by five physicians and three physician assistants.
  • The EOS Imaging system uses extremely low-dose radiation for monitoring spinal conditions, including scoliosis, kyphosis and deformities.
  • We’re home to the world’s first implantation of VerteGlide, a system of straightening rods that moves with your child’s growth, reducing the need for follow-up surgical adjustments.
  • Our physicians are internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more.
  • Recognized for expertise in pediatric orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Several of our providers are leaders in the Scoliosis Research Society, the most prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world.
  • Norton Children’s Hospital is verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification (ACS CSV) Quality Improvement Program.
  • Medicaid and most major commercial insurance are accepted. Financial assistance also is available.
  • Use your free Norton MyChart account to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more.

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