NY Mets David Wright has surgery on disk in neck
NY Mets captain and infielder David Wright underwent surgery on Thursday for a herniated disk in his neck. After unsuccessfully alleviating his pain with rest, rehab and anti-inflammatory injections, the surgery came as a last resort for Wright.
Dr. Robert V. Moriarty, M.D., an orthopedist and sports medicine specialist based in Long Island, NY, often helps patients with disk herniation by providing them with on-site treatment and additional treatment options. Dr. Moriarty wants to utilize this local headline to educate his patients and baseball fans alike about herniated disks.
What is a Herniated Disk?
- A “disk” refers to the soft tissue structure that helps separate and cushion the spinal bones
- Disk has gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus and a tough, flexible outer ring called the annulus fibrosus
- A herniated disk occurs when the jelly-like nucleus pushes against the outer ring, causing pain
- Pain in muscles between neck and shoulder
- Weakness in one arm
- Tingling/numbness in arm
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Burning pain in shoulders, neck or arm
- Back pain
- Weakness in one leg
- Shooting pain down leg/foot (sciatica)
- Tingling sensation/numbness in leg and/or foot
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Burning centered in the neck
- Most can be treated without surgery (rest, activity modification, medication)
- Injections, physical therapy and chiropractic management
- In severe cases, surgery may be necessary and is often successful