When do i need surgery for a Herniated Disk ?
Disks are the round cushions that are present between the vertebrae bones of the spine. The disks have a thick outer layer with a jell-like material inside them. When the disks that are between the bones rupture and come out, they get pressed on the nearest nerves. It is called a herniated disk. This can cause severe back pain, numbness, and weakness in arms, legs, and shoulders.
However, there are several treatment options for herniated disks. There are several surgical procedures that can also reduce your pain and prevents further damage.
Common Signs of a Herniated Disk
The symptoms of a herniated disk are not the same for everyone and they vary from one person to another. The signs are based on the location and size of a herniated disk. In most cases, herniated disk affects the nerve root but it may not happen in all cases. In this case, you may experience only mild lower back pain.
But if the herniated disk is pressed against the nerve, it causes severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the region that is connected to the affected nerve. If you ever experience lower back pain suddenly, you should consider visiting a doctor for a diagnosis.
What Causes Herniated Disks?
As you get older, several changes happen in your body and disk degeneration is also a part of the aging process. Disk degeneration occurs due to natural wear and tear. Due to this, the outer layer of the disk becomes weak and it may crack. The jelly-like substance inside the disk gets pushed through the crack. This substance can get pushed against the nearest spinal nerves and causes severe pain.
In some cases, movements such as lifting heavy objects, sudden twists, and rapid turns can also lead to a herniated disk. It may also occur due to a sports injury, work-related accidents, etc.
Do I Need Surgery to Treat a Herniated Disk?
Most herniated disks can be treated using non-surgical methods. But if the non-surgical methods do not help, then you need surgery to relives your signs. You also need surgery to treat herniated disk in the following cases:
- If you have severe pain that is obstructing you from performing your daily activities
- If you have numbness where the disk gets pressed against the nerve
- Difficulty in walking or standing
- Inability to control your bowels
When you discuss with your doctor about surgery, do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have. There are different types of surgical procedures and the doctor determines the right one for you based on your age, medical history, overall health, etc.
Different Treatment Options for Herniated Disk
In most cases, a herniated disk gets better within a few days to weeks. In these cases, you do not need surgery and non-invasive methods can help you. The non-invasive treatment options include:
- Medications to relieve mild to moderate pain
- Steroid injections may be used if you have pain for over 6 weeks
- Physical therapy exercises can help regain the muscle strength
If the non-invasive methods do not help, then surgery might be required. The different surgical options include:
- Discectomy: This involves removing the damaged disk through a cut in the back or neck. Removing the damaged disk helps relieve pressure on the nerve. Microdiscectomy is also called endoscopic spine surgery where only a small incision is made to remove the herniated disk. A thin tube called an endoscope that has a camera is inserted to have a better view of the nerve roots. It causes less tissue damage, minimal blood loss, and a lower risk of infection.
- Laminectomy: This procedure is used to treat disk herniation in the lower back and neck. During the procedure, a small incision will be made in the midline of the bone to remove a piece of bone called the lamina. Removing the lamina helps reduce pressure on the nerves. Once the lamina is removed, the doctor can easily view the herniated disk. Now, a discectomy may be performed to remove the herniated disk. This procedure reduces leg pain and other signs.
- Spinal fusion: Spinal fusion may be performed after laminectomy or discectomy. This procedure helps stabilize the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae using screws and rods. As time passes, vertebrae grow and fuse to form a stable structure. This stops the bones from moving and reduces pain.
- Artificial disk surgery: It is an alternative to spinal fusion. During artificial disk surgery, the herniated disk is removed and replaced with an artificial disk. This procedure improves spinal mobility and the recovery is also faster.
Suffering From the Signs of a Herniated Disk? Contact Vishwak Sena Reddy Today
If you are experiencing severe signs due to herniated disk, then visiting Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy can help you. He has over 14 years of experience as a neurosurgeon in Hyderabad and has helped several patients suffering from spine issues. He is trained and an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery. He is very patient and listens to your concerns carefully to determine the right treatment for you. To know more, call us and book your appointment.