Herniated discs are common and can cause sciatica pain and discomfort in the neck or lower back. They usually affect your spine but mostly affect the lumbar and cervical regions. Herniated discs mostly resolve independently but might require treatments when symptoms persist. In cases where other conservative treatments have failed, you might need to consider a Roswell herniated disc surgery. Also, if you are experiencing recurring pain due to a herniated disc, consult your doctor on which surgical methods would best suit you. Below are five common surgical methods that can help treat herniated discs.
Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that treats herniated discs by removing part of the disc. It is a less invasive procedure compared to other traditional spinal surgeries. It requires only one surgery instead of multiple procedures, which can be more physically demanding on your body as you recover. Also, recovery time is shorter, within weeks rather than months, meaning you can return to normal activities sooner after surgery.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a traditional surgical procedure that involves removing a herniated disc and fusing adjacent vertebrae. It often treats herniated discs in the neck but can also help alleviate pain from spinal injuries.
The surgery usually takes place in an operating room or hospital setting. Still, some patients may be able to undergo it as an outpatient procedure, especially if they are stable enough to travel home after surgery.
Cervical Laminoplasty
Cervical laminoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that decompresses the spinal cord. The surgeon removes the disc and replaces it with a bone graft from your hip or rib. The bone graft is shaped to fit into the space left by the herniated disc and then cemented into place.
The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with little recovery time. However, if your doctor recommends other traditional surgical methods, you will likely need to stay in the hospital for several days for more intensive care and physical therapy sessions.
Artificial Disk Surgery
Artificial disk surgery is a major surgery that usually treats specific herniated discs in your lower back. It replaces the damaged disc with an artificial one, often made of plastic or metal. Since it is a major surgery, you will be under general anesthesia induced by your doctor.
Afterward, they will make an incision on your abdomen to place the artificial disc. This new disc will help you move more easily and stabilize your spine. However, you might need to stay in the hospital for several days to improve your recovery.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion might permanently help treat chronic herniated discs. It permanently fuses two or more vertebrae to help stabilize your spine. This step can be accomplished using bone grafts from a donor or a specific body part.
It is done under general anesthesia and may involve rods or metal screws that might provide additional support to your spine. This procedure helps to immobilize our spine by preventing the movement of bones, hence alleviating your pain.
There are a lot of options when it comes to treating herniated discs. If you suspect your pain is due to this condition, consult a doctor who can recommend the best treatment. Consider physical therapy as an alternative or an addition to any medical-surgical treatment.
