Lower back pain is one of the most common health concerns among adults. A leading culprit behind this discomfort is lumbar disc herniation. This condition occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a lumbar disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, potentially pressing on the surrounding nerves. This can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, legs, or feet.
When conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication fail to alleviate symptoms, surgical intervention becomes a viable option. For those seeking expert care, finding an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, FL, can make all the difference.
This blog dives into the surgical approaches available to treat lumbar disc herniation, highlights their benefits, and emphasizes the importance of consulting a trusted medical professional for the best outcomes.
Surgical intervention for lumbar disc herniation isn't always the first choice. Non-surgical treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, pain relievers, and steroid injections, are typically the initial steps. Surgery is usually considered when:
Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate various factors such as the severity of the herniation, overall health, and lifestyle needs before recommending surgery as the best course of action.
If surgery is deemed necessary, there are several approaches available, each tailored to the patient's specific condition and anatomy. Here are some of the most common surgical treatments for disc herniation:
This is the most widely performed procedure for lumbar disc herniation. A microdiscectomy involves the removal of the herniated portion of the disc that’s pressing on a nerve.
Key aspects of microdiscectomy include:
Microdiscectomy is typically recommended when herniation results in leg pain (sciatica) that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments.
Also called decompressive laminectomy, this procedure involves removing a portion of the bone (lamina) overlying the spinal canal. The goal is to relieve nerve compression by creating more space in the spinal canal.
While often performed for spinal stenosis, laminectomy can also be used to address some cases of disc herniation where nerve compression is severe.
Benefits:
This approach involves replacing the damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial one to restore motion and proper spacing in the spine.
Advantages:
Disc replacement is generally recommended for younger, active patients without significant arthritis or spinal deformities.
Spinal fusion is recommended when there is instability in the spine. It involves removing the damaged disc and "fusing" two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts, screws, and rods. By doing so, the surgeon eliminates motion between the fused vertebrae, helping to provide stability.
Key benefits:
While spinal fusion can limit back movement in the treated area, it’s an effective option for patients with significant degenerative changes in addition to herniation.
An advanced and less invasive option, endoscopic discectomy uses a small camera (endoscope) to remove herniated disc material.
Features:
Endoscopic discectomy has grown in popularity due to its minimally invasive nature and reduced recovery times.
Each patient's condition is unique, and the choice of surgery depends on the size and location of the herniation, the presence of nerve compression, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle. Consulting a qualified orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, FL, ensures that you're guided toward the most appropriate treatment option tailored to your needs.
Recovery from lumbar disc herniation surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. However, here are some general post-surgery guidelines to follow:
Successful recovery also depends on choosing the right medical facility and team to oversee your care.
If you're seeking expert care for lumbar disc herniation, look no further than Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing advanced, patient-centered care.
Why Choose Us?
Located conveniently in Deltona, FL, we’ve helped countless patients regain mobility and find relief from back pain.
Surgery for lumbar disc herniation can be life-changing, giving you relief from chronic pain and helping you regain your ability to live a normal, active life.
If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, FL, contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.