If you are struggling with debilitating leg and back pain and experience tingling and numbness, you might have a herniated disc. Many patients find relief from these symptoms and improve their quality of life with lumbar discectomy surgery.
A lumbar discectomy is a type of surgery that removes a portion of a herniated disc in the lower spine or lumbar region. In some cases, surgeons will remove the disc entirely.
What Causes Bulging Discs?
The vertebrae, a series of bones that make up your spinal column, protect your spinal cord. Rubbery cushions, called discs, separate each vertebra. These discs provide support and absorb impacts. If the outer wall of one of these discs dries out or weakens because of age or injury, the soft inner part of the disc can bulge out. This is called a bulging or herniated disc.
A herniated disc can press on nerve roots and, in some cases, the spinal cord. This pressure can result in pain, numbness and tingling sensations, as well as weakness in various body parts. You can get a bulging disc at any point along your spine, but it will most commonly occur in your lower back. Although herniated discs in your lower back do not always lead to discomfort, you might experience back pain and pain in your legs — called sciatica — when the disc presses against a nerve.
You can develop a herniated disc from abruptly twisting your spine or using the wrong technique to lift an object. Disc degeneration due to aging, disease or obesity can also cause a bulging disc.
Usually, your medical provider will first prescribe conservative treatments to alleviate your pain before opting for surgery. These treatments may include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and epidural spinal injections (ESIs). If these treatments are ineffective, your health care provider might suggest a lumbar discectomy. Some other reasons your doctor may prescribe surgery include:
A computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast shows evidence of disc herniation that corresponds with your symptoms.
Sciatica persists or worsens even after six to 12 weeks of conservative treatment.
Leg pain is more severe than back pain.
A lumbar discectomy is the most common surgery to relieve pain caused by herniated discs in the lower spine.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy Surgery
Patients can undergo traditional open discectomy surgery or a newer, less invasive procedure called microdiscectomy. Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) that requires only a small incision. Your surgeon will use surgical glasses or a microscope to magnify the surgical area and might also use smaller surgical instruments to conduct the procedure.
During lumbar disc microsurgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in your back and push tissue and muscle aside to access your spine. Then, your surgeon will create a small window in the vertebra and insert an instrument through this window to gently move spinal nerves aside. The doctor will then remove the herniated portion of the disc.
The Advantages of a Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy involves smaller incisions than traditional open discectomy surgery, so it causes significantly less trauma to muscles and tissues. Generally, patients experience less pain and faster recovery after a microdiscectomy. In most cases, they can return home on the day of surgery.
What Our Patients Have To Say Real Patient Testimonials
Dr. Roberts is the BEST and that’s my personal opinion. He is very hands on, compassion and understanding. I highly recommend his services.
—Anna Thomas
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would high...
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would highly recommend them to anyone with back issues.
—Juan Rolon
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I ch...
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I choose the right doctor. I Went to see Dr. Passias with 5 herniated discs, pain in neck, shoulder, arm and tangles fingers. Dr. Passias gave me the time to explain and tell him all what I feel about my pain and he was lesson to all off it he makes me feel friendly He is the doctor I can trust He take the pain away from me GOD BLESS Him
—Mohamed Haridy
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when s...
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when someone goes through so much injury and trauma and then in turn, feels like I do. If you can just meet one doctor, please meet Dr. de Moura.”
—Annette
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 an...
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 and S1. This was a ten-hour procedure. I exceeded both Dr. Macagno and the hospital staff expectations. Instead of walking a few steps, I easily walked the full length of the hospital halls and climbed stairs almost immediately after surgery. I am so happy to have met Dr. Macagno. I sing his praises every day and I always post on social media about how amazing I am doing every year on the anniversary of my surgery.”
—Gregg
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your care...
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your careful supervision of my recovery were a strong indication of the genuine concern you have for me. During my later years, I’ve had numerous associations with doctors and a variety of experiences. I can honestly say that I could not have received better treatment than I received from you.”
—L.B.
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up t...
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up to your reputation. My friend was right: You’re very good at what you do. Thanks again, and although you’re a very nice man, I hope never to have to see you again.”
—J.B.
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to ...
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to be at my side if and when surgery becomes necessary. You are a fine physician giving to those in need.”
—K.F.
“Dr. Macagno is the Best doctor! Professional and compassionate. Honest and knowledgeable. Worth every star and about 10 more!!!”
—M.C.
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured cli...
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured clients was treated there (I am a personal injury attorney). He had a terrific recovery and I credit Dr. de Moura and his staff with that.”
—A.Z.
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a...
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a Dr. V and the world for patients with pain would be a much better place. I haven’t had a Dr this great since Dr de Mourra who did my surgery In 2013. Thank you Dr de Mourra for referring me to a pain management dr who really cares for my needs as his patient. It has been a tough road . I can now honestly say the road I travel now as a pain patient is much smoother and manageable. Thank you Dr v and NYU.
Most patients require one to two days in the hospital and two weeks of rest after a lumbar discectomy to allow their soft tissue to heal. After this period, many patients can return to work but still need to restrict their physical activity for about six weeks and ease back into daily routines.
Patients with sedentary jobs must pay attention to their posture, as sitting still and leaning forward places pressure on the spine. It is best to do some gentle exercises or go for a walk every hour. Patients must also follow a lumbar discectomy physical therapy protocol from week two or three of recovery.
A physical therapist will help you loosen your stiff joints and strengthen your core muscles, and they will also prescribe a home workout routine with exercises that will strengthen your muscles and protect your spine. The full recovery time depends on factors such as the patient’s health and whether they follow their doctor’s post-surgery care instructions.
Trust NYSI for Lumbar Discectomy Surgery
New York Spine Institute (NYSI) is one of the largest spine and orthopedic centers in the tri-state area and a hub for industry-leading surgeons. With your well-being as our utmost priority, we strive to treat herniated discs with the most conservative approach. However, if surgical intervention is necessary, you can trust our experienced team of board-certified spine specialists to thoroughly explain surgical procedures and create a custom approach to help alleviate your sciatica. Our team relies on proven and advanced surgical methods that enhance patient outcomes.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you suspect you may have a herniated disc, the NYSI team is ready to help you. We provide conservative treatments and lumbar discectomy surgery to help patients find relief from debilitating pain. Book an appointment today to discuss your unique challenges with one of our spine specialists and determine the best treatment option for you.
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