Understanding Herniated Disc Surgery

A herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc is when the soft material inside a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer. The herniated disc can press on nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as back pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. Depending on the severity of the herniated disc, conservative treatments like anti-inflammatories, physical therapy or injections may provide relief.  When these conservative methods fail, surgery may be necessary.

Surgery is generally considered when a patient has persistent severe pain that does not respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. Surgery is also recommended if there are neurological symptoms such as weakness or changes in bowel or bladder function indicating nerve compression. If the pain and symptoms interfere with daily activities or a patient’s ability to work then it is typically time to consider surgery.

Herniated disc surgery aims to relieve pain and restore function by addressing the affected disc. Depending on the severity of the herniation and stability of the spine there are a few different types of surgery that are the most common. A microdiscectomy is a less invasive procedure where the surgeon removes a portion of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve. A laminectomy involves removing a part of the vertebra called the lamina to create more space for the spinal nerves, relieving pressure and pain. Sometimes performed in conjunction with a  laminectomy and discectomy is  a spinal fusion. A spinal fusion involves fusing two or more vertebrae together with rods and screws to stabilize the spine.

If you or someone you know has a herniated disc you should consult with a specialist to determine the best treatment and/or surgical recommendation for you.