Understanding the Impact on the Spine Following Discectomy Surgery

Back pain is a prevalent ailment that can affect your quality of life. When medications or other non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Discectomy is a common surgical procedure that removes herniated disc material, which may cause nerve compression and inflammation in the sciatica region. However, some patients experience back pain and other spine-related complications after discectomy surgery. In this blog post, we will discuss the impact on the spine following discectomy surgery.

Discectomy surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the portion of the herniated disc that compresses the nerve root. Discectomy surgery is a safe and effective treatment for patients with herniated discs who have not responded to non-surgical treatments. However, patients may experience some adverse effects after the surgery.

One of the most common adverse effects of discectomy surgery is postoperative back pain. It is common for patients to have mild to moderate back pain after the surgery, especially at the incision site. However, severe and persistent back pain may be a sign of a surgical complication, such as a recurrent herniated disc, nerve damage, or scar tissue formation.

Another adverse effect of discectomy surgery is spinal instability. Spinal instability occurs when the spinal column is weakened or the spinal ligaments are damaged, which may cause abnormal motion between two or more vertebrae. Spinal instability may cause back pain, muscle weakness, and nerve compression, which may require additional surgery to stabilize the spine.

Postoperative spinal stenosis is another less common adverse effect of discectomy surgery. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, which may cause nerve compression, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs. Spinal stenosis may occur because of bone removal during the discectomy surgery or due to spinal instability from the surgery.

 

Conclusion

Discectomy surgery is a safe and effective treatment for herniated discs that cause sciatica symptoms. However, some patients may experience complications after the surgery, such as postoperative back pain, spinal instability, and spinal stenosis. If you experience severe and persistent back pain after discectomy surgery, it is essential to consult your surgeon to rule out any surgical complications. At Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute, our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons can provide you with the highest quality care for your spine-related conditions. If you are looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Altamonte Springs, FL, contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today for more information.