What is a Herniated Disc?

Before you delve into information pertaining to back surgery for a herniated disc, it may be helpful to learn a little bit about the condition first. A herniated disc occurs when the inner contents (nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc escape through a crack or tear in the disc’s outer shell (annulus fibrosus). The leading cause of a herniated disc is nothing more than the natural aging process. As we grow older, some of the spine’s anatomical components can begin to break down from continued use, and the intervertebral discs are no exception.

These pad-like structures are located between adjacent vertebrae and are tasked with providing cushioning and absorbing the impact that’s placed on the neck and back. Over time, these responsibilities can take their toll and a disc’s outer shell can harden and become brittle while its inner gelatinous material can dry out and become less adept at absorbing impact. These changes can make discs incredibly susceptible to herniation.

What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?

Some individuals with herniated discs may not experience any symptoms at all. Others might feel localized pain if the tiny nerves that traverse the annulus fibrosus are affected by a crack or tear. Inflammation and more intense localized pain may be experienced if the nucleus pulposus comes into contact with a crack in the annulus fibrosus. That’s because the nucleus pulposus contains an enzyme that can be highly aggravating to the exposed nerves in the annulus fibrosus.

If the expelled nucleus pulposus seeps into the spinal column and compresses the spinal cord, a spinal nerve, or a spinal nerve root, patients can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the areas of the body that are innervated by the affected nerve. The exact location of these symptoms will vary based on which area of the spine contains neural compression:

– Cervical spine – neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and/or hands

– Thoracic spine – middle back, ribs, torso, and/or internal organs

– Lumbar spine – lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and/or feet

Can These Symptoms be Alleviated without Surgery?

In most cases, a physician will not recommend back surgery for a herniated disc until a patient has utilized conservative, nonsurgical treatments only to receive little to no relief. Fortunately, the majority of patients are able to avoid surgery because they find meaningful relief from a treatment regimen that consists of or more of the following:

– Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen

– Physical therapy

– The application of heat and/or ice

– Lifestyle changes including weight loss, quitting smoking, becoming more physically active, or reducing alcohol consumption

And what if Surgery is Necessary?

In the event that a patient’s symptoms fail to respond to conservative, nonsurgical treatments, his or her physician may recommend back surgery for a herniated disc. In the past, the only surgical treatment available was open spine surgery, which often required a lengthy hospital stay. A large incision was made in the patient’s back, which dissected musculature and other soft tissues. The affected intervertebral disc was then typically removed in its entirety and bone grafts and various types of hardware were used to fuse the adjacent vertebrae together.

Now, modern technology gives some patients the opportunity to undergo a minimally invasive procedure in lieu of open spine surgery. These procedures offer a number of advantages over open spine operations. For instance, they:

– Are performed on an outpatient basis

– Require a very small incision that is typically less than one inch in length

– Don’t involve the dissection of any musculature; instead, soft tissue is gently moved to the side

– Don’t entail the complete removal of any spinal components, eliminating the need for spinal fusion

Yet, an endoscopic procedure may not be the best course of action for every individual. Patients should discuss all of their surgical options with their physicians before consenting to any operation.

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 back surgery for a herniated disc as well as procedures for 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 back surgery for a herniated disc. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/treatment/surgery/

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 back surgery for a herniated disc as well as procedures for several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: back surgery for herniated disc