2. The implicit goal of disc herniation surgery is to alleviate
nerve compression and inflammation that tends to occur
as a result of the disc rupture. This type of procedure can
be attempted in a number of different ways, ranging from
a minimally invasive technique to much more involved
open spine surgery. It depends entirely on the
cause, location, and severity of the disc herniation and
the patient’s specific condition. Additionally, this type of
surgery is considered a treatment of last resort for
individuals who have exhausted all other more
conservative treatment methods or who suffer from
debilitating pain.
3. What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc refers to a condition in the spinal column that can develop in
individuals of nearly all ages and health. The vertebrae that comprise the spinal
column are cushioned and separated by thick, spongy intervertebral discs that act as
shock absorbers for the spine. Each disc is made of a tough outer shell that is known
as the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like inner disc material known as the nucleus
pulposus. A disc herniation is a condition wherein a tear develops in the annulus
fibrosus, which allows the nucleus pulposus to escape the confines of the disc and
enter the spinal column.
While this condition may sound serious, the truth is that a disc herniation is an
exceedingly common ailment that nearly everyone will deal with at some point in
their life. What’s more, many individuals develop herniated intervertebral discs
without ever knowing it. This is because herniated discs are often asymptomatic in
and of themselves. A disc tear can develop and heal itself without the individual ever
knowing it. Disc degeneration becomes symptomatic when extruded disc material or
the disc wall itself comes in contact with a spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself. In this
instance, treatment of disc herniation could more accurately be called treatment for
nerve compression.
4. Initial Treatment
The good news when it comes to a ruptured disc is that in most
cases, disc herniation surgery won’t be required. More often than
not, the symptoms that arise from nerve compression in the back or
neck can be sufficiently managed with a regimen of
noninvasive, conservative treatment. The trick is finding the right
combination of treatments to provide you with the relief that you
require, and the only way to be sure that you are using taking the right
approach is to work closely with your doctor or spine specialist. That’s
because while there are a tremendous variety of viable treatment
options currently available, the wrong techniques may prove entirely
ineffective or even make your condition worse. However, generally
speaking, a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(over-the-counter or prescription), stretching or physical therapy, and
hot/cold therapy tend to prove effective over the course of several
weeks or months.
5. Surgical Options
In the event that conservative treatment fails to provide
you with the pain relief that you require, disc herniation
surgery may be considered. In this instance, there are still
several different types of procedures that you may be a
candidate for depending on specific circumstances.
Traditionally, individuals who suffered from a herniated
disc were resigned to an open spine surgery, such as
spinal fusion. This procedure requires the total
immobilization of the affected area, which means a
permanent sacrifice in flexibility in that region of the back
or neck. The deteriorated intervertebral disc is completely
excised and replaced with the graft, while the adjacent
vertebrae are fused together with surgical hardware.
6. Other Treatment Options
Alternatively, in recent years, advances
have been made in endoscopic
technology, which have allowed for a rise
in minimally invasive spine procedures.
In some instances, the nerve can be
decompressed on an outpatient
basis, providing the individual with the
relief they require without having to
sacrifice any flexibility or mobility.
To learn more about the various disc
herniation surgery and treatment
options available, speak with a doctor
about your specific condition.
