A slipped disc or herniated disc occurs when any of the discs that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae extend beyond its casing, pushing into the spinal canal. The condition doesn’t always cause pain or discomfort—unless the disc presses against spinal nerves.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 90% of herniated disc cases resolve over time. When is slipped disc surgery necessary? When should you see a spine specialist in New York? We’ll cover the details in this post.
Top Signs You Need Slipped Disc Surgery
You should only consider slipped disc surgery after non-surgical treatments have failed to yield any results after six weeks. Other signs that you need surgery include the following:
- You have severe leg pain or back pain, weakness, or numbness that has made walking and standing difficult.
- You struggle to go about your daily activities due to the pain and other symptoms.
- You have lost control of your bowel or bladder.
- Your symptoms continue to worsen despite trying non-surgical approaches.
What to Expect Before the Surgery
Your doctor will order various imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and EMGs to evaluate your spinal canal, the cord, nerve roots, and the discs. From the result of the evaluation, they can determine the best surgical approach.
Other factors that will determine the surgical approach include the location of the herniated disc, your age, and your overall health.
The Different Types of Surgery for a Slipped Disc
After your doctor has gathered all the information they can, they will recommend one or more of the following types of surgeries:
- Laminotomy or Laminectomy. During this procedure, the doctor will cut a tiny incision in the lamina to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. A laminectomy involves removing the lamina completely.
- Discectomy or microdiscectomy. This is the most common surgery for herniated discs in the lower back. According to the New York Presbyterian, 150,000 to 200,000 patients undergo microdiscectomy each year. The surgery involves removing a portion of the disc putting pressure on your nerve roots or the whole disc.
- Artificial slipped disc surgery. For this surgery, you’ll be under general anesthesia. It involves replacing the damaged disc with a new one. It’s not a good option for people with multiple herniated discs.
- Spinal fusion. The goal of spinal fusion is to fuse multiple vertebrae together. It will make that area of the spine immobile.
What to Expect After Slipped Disc Surgery
You can expect to spend up to 72 hours in the hospital for most spinal disc surgery cases. After you’re discharged, the doctor will provide specific instructions on when you can resume your normal activities.
They may recommend starting a physical therapy regime to improve your range of motion and to ensure the results of the treatment last long enough.
Like all other surgeries, slipped disc surgery comes with some attendant risks. These include bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. There’s also the risk of a disc rupturing again after the surgery if it wasn’t removed completely.
Choose the Best Slipped Disc Surgeon in New York for Your Treatment
When you need slipped disc surgery in New York, you want to ensure you’re in the hands of reputable professionals. At New York Spine Specialist, our team features surgeons, therapists, and other medical professionals who will collaborate with your primary care physicians to give you the care you need.
With our state-of-the-art equipment, we can complete minimally invasive slipped disc surgery and bring you lasting relief.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Call New York Spine Specialist today at (516) 355-0111 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about the causes of upper right back pain.
FAQs
Is Herniated Disc Common?
According to Medical News Today, herniated disc affects five to 20 people out of every 1,000 adults in the country each year.
What Is the Recovery Timeline After Slipped Disc Surgery?
Recovery from slipped disc surgery can take weeks or months. However, most people will recover well. Individual outlook will depend on factors such as the surgery details, probability of complications, and your overall health.
How Long Will Recovery Take After Slipped Disc Surgery?
You can expect to resume most of your daily activities 12 weeks after the surgery. However, the exact timeline will depend on the type of surgery, your age, and your musculoskeletal health.
Will I Feel Any Pain During the Surgery?
Most slipped disc surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, you may not feel pain during the process.