How effective is a herniated disc surgery?

Herniated disc surgery or degenerative disc surgery is considered the very last resort for those with a herniated disc when other methods fail to help remove pain. It is also considered to be a treatment option for some patients and often is not even thought about unless there is a severe injury or there is continuous pain for the last six months.

In this back disc surgery, the doctor will remove the herniated disc. By so doing, he creates an extra cushion of room. This will help to relieve the pressure that has been placed on the nerve and reduces the pain in the area because of this released pressure.

There are,actually, several surgical techniques that can and will be used, each offering benefits that should fit with the patient's actual needs. Your specialist doctor will work with you to devise a plan that will limit the amount of pain and problems and give you the most effective yet least invasive method of surgery that is possible.

The goal of a bulging disc surgery is to make the herniated disc stop pressing on and irritating the pinched nerves, causing symptoms of weakness and pain. The most common procedure is called a "discectomy" or "partial discectomy," where part of the herniated disc is removed. In order to clearly see the disc , it is sometimes necessary to remove a small portion of the lamina, the bone behind the disc. Bone removal may be minimal (hemi-laminotomy) or more extensive (hemi-laminectomy). In some cases a few surgeons use an endoscope or microscope.

Discectomy herniated disc surgery can be done under either local, spinal or general anesthesia. During such a procedure,the patient lays face down on the operating table, generally in a kneeling position. The surgeon will make a small incision is made in the skin over the herniated disc and the muscles over the spine are pulled back from the bone. Then a small amount of bone may be removed so that the surgeon can see the compressed nerve. The herniated disc and any loose pieces are removed until they are no longer pressing on the nerve. To make sure that the nerve is free of pressure,any bone spurs (osteophytes) are also taken out.

Recovery from herniated disc surgery

After discectomy most patients will not have complications , but it is possible you may have some bleeding, infection, tears of the protective lining of the spinal nerve roots (dura mater), or injury to the nerve. In about 5% of patients, it is also very possible that the disc will rupture again and cause symptoms.

Ask your doctor for recommendations on post-surgical activity restrictions after your herniated disc treatment surgery. It is usually recommended to get out of bed and walk around immediately after recovering from anesthesia. Most patients are allowed to go home within 24 hours after surgery, often later the same day. Once home, you should avoid prolonged sitting, excessive lifting, driving and bending forward for the first four weeks. For recovery after the surgery some patients will benefit from a supervised rehabilitation program. You must also ask your doctor if you can use exercise to strengthen your back to prevent recurrence.

What are the risks associated with herniated disc surgery?

Discectomy and microdiscectomy, the most common surgeries for herniated discs, are generally well-tolerated and do not commonly cause complications. However,during such a surgery, there is a slight risk of damaging the nerve roots or spinal structures. Some people may even develop excessive scarring in the area of the surgery. The risks of infection following surgery also exist, which may cause further damage.

The good news is that most (80-90%) patients with a new or recent acute disc herniation will improve without surgery for herniated disc. Although such a surgery may not return leg strength to normal, it can stop your leg from getting weaker, and relieve leg pain. Surgery is usually recommended for relief of leg pain (>90% success); however,surgery is less effective in relieving back pain .

Learn more about herniated disc surgery