Herniated disc surgery is often feared by those who have been diagnosed with the condition. If you fall into this category of patients, take comfort in knowing that only a small percentage of those with a herniated disc will require surgical treatment. Even if you are among those whose physicians recommend surgery, you may have the option to undergo a minimally invasive alternative to open spine surgery.

What is a Herniated Disc, Anyway?

In the simplest of terms, a herniated disc occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc ruptures and allows the disc’s inner content to seep into the spinal canal. This is most commonly caused by the degenerative changes that accompany the natural aging process, which can be exacerbated by the following risk factors:

– Using tobacco products

– Abusing alcohol

– A sedentary lifestyle

– Obesity

– Participation in high-impact sports

In general, any activity that places excessive pressure on or requires more movement of the spine can also contribute to the gradual degeneration of the spine’s anatomical components. In the case of the intervertebral discs, these shock-absorbing pads can become dehydrated, brittle, and less “elastic,” making them weaker and less able to evenly distribute the pressure that is applied to them. These changes can directly lead to a herniated disc and symptoms of localized pain as well as radiating symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness.

How do I Know if I Need Surgery?

The majority of those who are diagnosed with the condition will not know if herniated disc surgery is necessary until conservative, nonsurgical treatments have been attempted and have failed to relieve symptoms after several weeks or months. Finding an effective treatment regimen may require some trial-and-error, as not all patients will respond to all treatments in a similar manner. However, most patients’ nonsurgical treatment plans will include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

What Medication can be Used to Treat a Herniated Disc?

Most physicians will initially advise their patients to take over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen. NSAIDs can relieve pain and reduce inflammation by blocking the body’s production of certain enzymes. However, these medications can cause serious complications for those who suffer from certain gastrointestinal or cardiovascular conditions. These patients may instead be advised to take an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen. Because acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, the medication can be especially dangerous to take alongside the consumption of alcohol. It should be noted that because of acetaminophen’s effect on the liver, the FDA does not recommend long-term use of the medication.

In the event that over-the-counter medications prove ineffective, prescription medications may be recommended. This may include a narcotic pain reliever such as oxycodone or morphine or a muscle relaxant like carisoprodol. Because of the widespread abuse of these prescription drugs, many physicians are leery of advising their patients to utilize them. That being said, those who are genuinely in severe or debilitating pain may significantly benefit from these medications.

Will I Need to Work with a Physical Therapist?

Though not all patients will be advised to undergo physical therapy, many will benefit from the various techniques involved in this type of treatment. Strength training that focuses on the muscle groups in the neck, back, and abdomen can provide the spine with the added support it needs. Increased musculature can also help to relieve some of the pressure the herniated disc is placing on nearby spinal nerves.

Physical therapists also sometimes employ other techniques for relieving the symptoms of a herniated disc, including:

– Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

– Ultrasound therapy

– Posture modification exercises

– Therapeutic spinal traction

– Massage therapy

– And others

Is There Anything Else I can do?

Many patients find that their symptoms respond best to certain lifestyle changes. For instance, those who are overweight can greatly benefit from shedding excess pounds. This can reduce the strain that is being placed on the spine, and can also help to relieve the pressure that is being applied to the spinal nerves. Other common lifestyle modifications that are recommended for herniated disc patients include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, becoming more physically active, and eating a well-balanced diet.

What if I Actually do Need Surgery?

If you are among the small percentage of patients whose symptoms do not abate from the use of conservative treatments, your physician may recommend herniated disc surgery. Before you consent to any operation, make sure you’re 100 percent comfortable with all associated risks. You may also want to seek a second or even a third opinion from a doctor or medical professional to ensure surgery is needed.

An open spine operation is traditionally used to surgically treat a herniated disc. At the commencement of this type of operation, the surgeon uses general anesthesia to sedate the patient before making a large incision in his or her neck or back. This incision typically dissects the muscles and ligaments that surround and support the spine so the surgeon can more readily access the spine. The affected intervertebral disc is then removed in its entirety and is replaced with bone graft material and various type of hardware, including rods and screws. In turn, the adjoining vertebrae are fused together and mobility in that segment of the spine is permanently lost. Following open spine herniated disc surgery, patients face a long and arduous rehabilitation that may span anywhere from several weeks to several months.

Some patients may have the option to undergo a minimally invasive procedure in lieu of an open spine surgery. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under deep IV sedation and local anesthesia. A small incision – typically only one inch long – is made in the neck or back and the muscles are gently moved to the side to allow for the insertion of a series of tubes, each slightly larger than the last. A variety of surgical tools are then funneled through the final tube, which has the same approximate diameter as a marker. Once the herniated disc is accessed, the surgeon will remove only the portion of the herniated disc that is causing neural compression, usually by “zapping” it with a laser. The disc is then cauterized to ensure its inner content is once again fully contained. After slowly and gently removing the surgical tools and the tube through which the procedure was performed, the surgeon will close the incision with two or three stitches or surgical staples. Many patients are able to return to daily activities within a matter of weeks and some even experience relief immediately following the procedure.

What if I Have More Questions?

If you would like to learn more about herniated disc surgery or any of the other treatments that can be used to treat the condition, consult your primary care physician or spine specialist.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions. http://laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated Disc Surgery