In the past, patients who were diagnosed with herniated discs faced the possibility of undergoing highly invasive surgeries that would require several nights in the hospital and months of intensive rehabilitation. Now, thanks to advances in medicine and technology, patients with herniated discs could potentially undergo outpatient procedures that require only a few weeks of rehabilitation.

How do you know if you are a candidate for outpatient surgery for a herniated disc? You will need to speak with your physician to find out for sure. Your physician will likely base his or her determination on which nonsurgical treatments you have already utilized. Very few patients who are diagnosed with herniated discs will require surgery because conservative, nonsurgical treatments usually relieve the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Patients generally need to have tried most – if not all – of these treatments before they are deemed eligible for surgery.

Common nonsurgical treatments include:

– Physical therapy – This type of treatment is designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the neck and back. A physical therapist may employ other types of treatments, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or massage therapy.

– Cryotherapy / thermotherapy – This treatment is more commonly referred to as the application of heat and ice. Heat can be used to relieve muscle tension, and ice can reduce inflammation and numb pain. Some patients may be advised to alternate between the two therapies while others may be directed to use one or the other exclusively.

– Medication – Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, or an analgesic like acetaminophen, are commonly used to relieve the symptoms of herniated discs. Some patients may be prescribed narcotic pain relievers and/or muscle relaxants.

– Lifestyle modifications – Making certain lifestyle changes can lead to improved spinal health. If necessary, a physician may advise a patient to lose weight, become more physically active, quit smoking, or reduce his or her alcohol consumption.

Only after utilizing these (and possibly other) conservative treatments for several weeks or months will your physician recommend surgery.

If you are deemed eligible for surgery, you will want to ask your physician if you can undergo a minimally invasive procedure in lieu of open-spine surgery. Minimally invasive procedures can provide a number of advantages over traditional surgeries, including:

– No overnight stay in the hospital

– Very small incisions that are typically less than one inch long

– No dissection of muscles and ligaments (instead, they are gently pushed to the side)

– No spinal fusion (in most cases)

If your physician does not think you are a candidate for an outpatient procedure, you may want to consult another physician to receive a second opinion.

If you are deemed eligible and you ultimately decide to undergo an outpatient surgery for a herniated disc, you’ll want to evaluate all the risks associated with undergoing the procedure. For instance, as with all surgeries, you face a risk for infection and blood loss. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your physician.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to outpatient surgery.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to outpatient surgery. http://laserspineinstitute.sociusmarketing.com/tampa.html

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to outpatient surgery.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: outpatient surgery