Herniated disc surgery should be considered as a last resort and only after weeks or months of conservative treatments have been attempted. The majority of patients who suffer from a herniated disc are able to find relief with a consistent regimen of pain medication, hot/cold compresses, behavior modification, and physical therapy, among others. Epidural steroid injections are also available, and while these injections are somewhat invasive, they have been shown to alleviate herniated disc pain for months in some cases.

In the event that these treatments prove ineffective, your doctor may suggest that you consider spine surgery. In general, there are two types of procedures available to you – open spine operations and endoscopic procedures. These surgeries differ in their levels of invasiveness and their projected recovery times. In the vast majority of cases, an endoscopic procedure offers a much shorter rehabilitation and fewer risks.

Preparing for Herniated Disc Surgery

Regardless of which type of procedure you choose to undergo, your doctor will likely advise you about how to prepare for surgery. Below are a few tips that may help the surgical process to go more smoothly:

– Maintain overall health – A healthy body is far more likely to recover quickly after a surgery. Consult your doctor about low-impact cardiovascular exercises, which can help strengthen muscles and improve lung health prior to surgery. If you smoke, stop at least several weeks before surgery.

– Stop taking certain medications – Your doctor may suggest that you discontinue certain medications prior to surgery, specifically any anticoagulants you may be taking. Never stop or start a medication without your doctor’s approval.

– Establish a post-surgical support system – Contact family and friends before your surgery and ask them to help you, both physically and emotionally. Not having to worry about small errands, like shopping for groceries or walking your dog, can make your recuperative period far less stressful.

What to Expect After Herniated Disc Surgery

Recovery periods will vary from patient to patient and will depend largely on what type of procedure you choose. An open back or neck operation usually requires general anesthesia, connective tissue dissection, and spinal fusion using bone grafts and stabilizing hardware. Rehabilitation can be arduous and may take up to a year. Endoscopic procedures, however, are performed on an outpatient basis and many patients report being able to return to normal activities within a few weeks. Be sure to research your options and consider getting a second or third opinion about the surgical plan that’s right for you.

In Conclusion

The majority of herniated disc surgeries are elective procedures. Patients choose to undergo these surgeries because they seek a more targeted and permanent solution to their back or neck pain.

Rarely, however, a herniated disc can cause a serious complication called cauda equina syndrome that requires immediate emergency surgery. Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the cauda equina – a bundle of nerve fibers that extends off the bottom of the spinal cord – becomes compressed by a spinal abnormality such as a herniated disc. If not treated immediately, cauda equina syndrome can lead to permanent paralysis and incontinence. Anyone who develops the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, and difficulty walking) should go to the emergency room right away.

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 herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Herniated disc