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While some herniated discs fix themselves over time, some disc problems don't go away on their own. If you've had persistent problems, then your doctor might suggest that you have spine surgery to fix the disc.
When is spine surgery an option and how does this procedure work? Why should you consider it?
Why Might You Need Surgery on a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is simply a disc that has slipped out of position and moved into your spinal area. When a disc moves this way, it puts pressure on a nerve or your spinal cord. This pressure causes back and leg pain, numbness and muscle problems.
Most people with herniated discs don't need surgery. Typically, if you have this problem, a period of rest and anti-inflammatory medications will sort out the disc. Sometimes, physical therapy also helps.
However, these treatments don't help everyone with a slipped disc. Sometimes, they aren't enough to significantly deal with your pain and discomfort; other times, you have repeated problems. If traditional methods don't work, then spine surgery might be your next option.
How Does Herniated Disc Surgery Work?
If your herniated disc persists in giving you pain and your doctor believes that you don't have any other options to try, then they might recommend that you have microdiscectomy surgery. This surgery typically uses minimally invasive methods. So you won't be in hospital for long; you might even be able to have a same-day procedure.
During your surgery, your surgeon will locate the slipped disc. They then remove the parts of the disc that have moved on to your nerve or spinal cord. They basically trim away the areas of tissue that are causing your problems.
What Are the Benefits of Herniated Disc Surgery?
Microdiscectomy spine surgery should fix your slipped disc problems permanently. Once you remove the parts of the disc which put pressure on your nerves or spine, then your immediate pain should disappear.
During the procedure, your surgeon ensures that there is enough space in and around the spinal column for your nerves to sit without any contact from the problem disc. Once you clear this space and trim the disc, you also reduce the chances of it slipping again.
To find out more about this kind of spine surgery and how it might improve your quality of life in the future, ask your doctor to refer you to a neurosurgeon.
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