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Is My Back Pain a Herniated Disc — or Something Else?

  • Writer: Dr. Kiefer
    Dr. Kiefer
  • 40 minutes ago
  • 3 min read



If you're struggling with persistent lower back pain, especially one that radiates into your leg or makes it hard to sit or stand, you might be wondering: Do I have a herniated disc?


While disc issues are a common cause of back pain, they’re far from the only explanation. At Georgetown Pain Management, with locations in Washington, DC and Greenbelt, Maryland, we help patients every day get to the root of their pain — and treat it without surgery.


Here’s how to tell whether a herniated disc could be the issue, and what to do next.


What Is a Herniated Disc?


Between each bone in your spine (vertebra) is a soft, cushion-like disc. These discs absorb shock and help your spine move. Sometimes, due to aging or injury, the outer shell of a disc weakens and the inner gel-like core bulges out — or herniates.


This herniation can press on nearby nerves, leading to symptoms like:

  • Sharp pain in the lower back or neck

  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

  • Pain that radiates down one leg (commonly called sciatica)

  • Muscle weakness in the limb


But Not All Back Pain Is From a Herniated Disc


Many patients come to us assuming they have a disc problem — but imaging often tells a different story. Other causes of back pain include:

  • Facet joint arthritis: Pain from the small joints in the spine

  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Pain in the lower back and buttocks, often mistaken for a disc

  • Muscle strain or myofascial pain: Especially common in younger or active patients

  • Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, often with leg symptoms

  • Degenerative disc disease: Age-related thinning of the discs, which may not herniate but still cause discomfort

🧠 Key takeaway: You can’t diagnose a herniated disc based on symptoms alone. That’s why a proper exam — and sometimes imaging like an MRI — is so important.

How We Diagnose and Treat Disc Pain (and More)


At Georgetown Pain Management, our approach is precise, compassionate, and backed by advanced technology. We start with a detailed consultation, physical exam, and review of any imaging. If needed, we order further testing to pinpoint the source of your pain.


Treatment options may include:

  • Epidural steroid injections to calm nerve inflammation

  • Facet joint blocks or radiofrequency ablation for arthritis

  • Sacroiliac joint injections

  • Nerve blocks and advanced neuromodulation (like spinal cord stimulation)

  • Physical therapy referrals, bracing, and non-opioid medications


All procedures are performed on-site in our advanced procedure suites or ambulatory surgery center, both at our Greenbelt, MD, and Washington, DC offices.


When to See a Pain Specialist


If your back pain:

  • Lasts more than 2–4 weeks

  • Radiates into your limbs

  • Is affecting your sleep, mobility, or work

  • Hasn’t improved with physical therapy or medications

…it’s time to be evaluated by a pain management physician.


Get the Answers — and Relief — You Deserve


You don’t have to live with uncertainty or chronic discomfort. We’re here to help you understand what’s causing your pain — and provide real solutions.


📍Washington, DC Office

Georgetown Pain Management – Washington, DC

2021 K Street NW, Suite 605

Washington, DC 20037


📍Greenbelt, Maryland Office

Georgetown Pain Management – Greenbelt, MD

7500 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 940

Greenbelt, MD 20770


 
 
 

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