If you are struggling with debilitating leg and back pain and experience tingling and numbness, you might have a herniated disc. Many patients find relief from these symptoms and improve their quality of life with lumbar discectomy surgery.
A lumbar discectomy is a type of surgery that removes a portion of a herniated disc in the lower spine or lumbar region. In some cases, surgeons will remove the disc entirely.
The vertebrae, a series of bones that make up your spinal column, protect your spinal cord. Rubbery cushions, called discs, separate each vertebra. These discs provide support and absorb impacts. If the outer wall of one of these discs dries out or weakens because of age or injury, the soft inner part of the disc can bulge out. This is called a bulging or herniated disc.
A herniated disc can press on nerve roots and, in some cases, the spinal cord. This pressure can result in pain, numbness and tingling sensations, as well as weakness in various body parts. You can get a bulging disc at any point along your spine, but it will most commonly occur in your lower back. Although herniated discs in your lower back do not always lead to discomfort, you might experience back pain and pain in your legs — called sciatica — when the disc presses against a nerve.
You can develop a herniated disc from abruptly twisting your spine or using the wrong technique to lift an object. Disc degeneration due to aging, disease or obesity can also cause a bulging disc.
Usually, your medical provider will first prescribe conservative treatments to alleviate your pain before opting for surgery. These treatments may include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and epidural spinal injections (ESIs). If these treatments are ineffective, your health care provider might suggest a lumbar discectomy. Some other reasons your doctor may prescribe surgery include:
A lumbar discectomy is the most common surgery to relieve pain caused by herniated discs in the lower spine.
Patients can undergo traditional open discectomy surgery or a newer, less invasive procedure called microdiscectomy. Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) that requires only a small incision. Your surgeon will use surgical glasses or a microscope to magnify the surgical area and might also use smaller surgical instruments to conduct the procedure.
During lumbar disc microsurgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in your back and push tissue and muscle aside to access your spine. Then, your surgeon will create a small window in the vertebra and insert an instrument through this window to gently move spinal nerves aside. The doctor will then remove the herniated portion of the disc.
A microdiscectomy involves smaller incisions than traditional open discectomy surgery, so it causes significantly less trauma to muscles and tissues. Generally, patients experience less pain and faster recovery after a microdiscectomy. In most cases, they can return home on the day of surgery.
Most patients require one to two days in the hospital and two weeks of rest after a lumbar discectomy to allow their soft tissue to heal. After this period, many patients can return to work but still need to restrict their physical activity for about six weeks and ease back into daily routines. Patients with sedentary jobs must pay attention to their posture, as sitting still and leaning forward places pressure on the spine. It is best to do some gentle exercises or go for a walk every hour.
Patients must also follow a lumbar discectomy physical therapy protocol from week two or three of recovery. A physical therapist will help you loosen your stiff joints and strengthen your core muscles, and they will also prescribe a home workout routine with exercises that will strengthen your muscles and protect your spine. The full recovery time depends on factors such as the patient’s health and whether they follow their doctor’s post-surgery care instructions.
New York Spine Institute (NYSI) is one of the largest spine and orthopedic centers in the tri-state area and a hub for industry-leading surgeons. With your well-being as our utmost priority, we strive to treat herniated discs with the most conservative approach. However, if surgical intervention is necessary, you can trust our experienced team of board-certified spine specialists to thoroughly explain surgical procedures and create a custom approach to help alleviate your sciatica. Our team relies on proven and advanced surgical methods that enhance patient outcomes.
If you suspect you may have a herniated disc, the NYSI team is ready to help you. We provide conservative treatments and lumbar discectomy surgery to help patients find relief from debilitating pain. Book an appointment today to discuss your unique challenges with one of our spine specialists and determine the best treatment option for you.
