About Lumbar Discectomy
A discectomy is performed to relieve the pressure a herniated disk (also called a slipped, ruptured, or bulging disk or disk prolapse) places on a spinal nerve. In situations when the softer material inside the disk is pushed out through a crack in the tougher exterior, a herniated disk has occurred. If you have a herniated disc in your lower back, causing symptoms such as weakness, pain, or tingling in the back area and one of your legs, you may need a lumbar discectomy. But you should keep in mind, that not everyone with a herniated disc needs this surgery, and the lumbar discectomy can’t be used to treat all cases of back pain. In case physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines, have not worked and you still have severe symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery. Discectomy may be an option for you if:
You have trouble standing or walking because of nerve weakness
Conservative treatment, such as physical therapy or steroid injections, fails to improve your symptoms after six to 12 weeks
Pain radiating into your buttocks, legs, arms or chest becomes too much to manage
What is a lumbar discectomy?
A lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure that primarily aims to alleviate the pressure exerted by a herniated or slipped disc on the nerves within the spinal column. This pressure can cause significant discomfort and pain, often radiating over the hip and down the leg, a condition known as sciatic pain. The procedure is often performed with minimal invasion and is sometimes referred to as a microdiscectomy.
The lumbar discectomy procedure begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision in the lower back, near the affected area. The muscles are moved to expose the bones, and a small piece of the bony cover of the spinal cord is removed to provide access to the herniated disc. The surgeon then removes only the herniated portion of the disc, which effectively relieves the pressure on the nearby nerves.
The procedure is typically carried out by a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon with experience in spinal surgery. The operation takes at least an hour, but the duration may vary depending on its complexity. The exact level of decompression required is determined using an X-ray. Once the decompression has been achieved, the muscles are stitched back together, and the incision is closed.
Recovery from a lumbar discectomy can take several weeks. During this time, the patient may experience some discomfort and will likely need to limit their physical activity. However, the procedure generally results in significant relief from the pain caused by the herniated disc.
It's important to note that a lumbar discectomy is typically recommended only when other less invasive treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, or epidural injections, have not provided sufficient relief. Prior to the surgery, patients undergo a pre-operative assessment, which may include blood tests, a general health check, and an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the spine. This assessment provides an opportunity for patients to discuss any concerns they may have and ask questions about the operation.
Why might I need a lumbar discectomy?
A lumbar discectomy might be necessary if you are experiencing symptoms due to a herniated disc in your lower back. The spinal column is made up of a chain of bones called vertebrae, with discs sitting between each vertebra to provide cushioning and support. Sometimes, due to age or injury, the outer wall of one of these discs may weaken, causing the soft, inner part of the disc to bulge out. This is referred to as a herniated or bulging disc.
The bulging disc can press on the nerve roots that lead from the spinal cord, sending and receiving signals to and from your brain. This pressure can cause symptoms such as lasting weakness, pain, or tingling in the back area and in one of your legs. These symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday tasks difficult and uncomfortable.
Lumbar discectomy is typically recommended when other less invasive treatments have not provided sufficient relief. These treatments might include physical therapy, epidural spinal injections (ESIs), and anti-inflammatory medicines. If these treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms, a lumbar discectomy can be considered as a more definitive solution.
During a lumbar discectomy, an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon removes part of the damaged disc, which helps ease the pressure on the nerve root or spinal cord. This can result in significant relief from the symptoms caused by the herniated disc.
What are the risks of a discectomy procedure?
Discectomy is mainly a safe procedure, but like any surgery, there may be complications such as:
Lumbar Discectomy Recovery
The overall lumbar discectomy recovery time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks, but you may be feeling back to normal well before that time.
