Have you ever experienced back pain that just won’t go away? There are many causes of back pain and one of those is a herniated disc. The spinal cord is made up of vertebrae that run from your neck to your pelvis. In between each vertebra is a spinal disc that helps to provide cushion and absorb shock during your everyday movements. Spinal discs are also there to protect vertebrae from rubbing against one another, which can cause very painful bone-on-bone pain. When more conservative approaches to treating your pain for a herniated disc have failed, you may need to consider neurosurgery in Lithia Springs. There are several types of surgical options to address a herniated disc depending on your needs.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when one of the spinal discs that separates two vertebrae slips or bulges out of its normal positioning. The spinal discs have a soft center with a jellylike substance that is encased in a tough exterior. When you have a herniated disc, the pressure or injury to the disc will cause part or all of the disc to bulge out of place. Depending on where the herniated disc is located in your spine, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness. If the herniated disc puts pressure on nearby nerve endings, you may even experience these symptoms in your extremities like your arms or legs.
How Does a Herniated Disc Happen?
A herniated disc can occur in a number of ways due to general wear and tear on the body over time, a spinal injury, or a degenerative disease. Everyone experiences wear and tear as we age, and one of the ways this can impact you is by the spinal discs not being able to function properly and absorb the shock of regular movements. An injury to the spine can also lead to a herniated disc. For example, a car accident injury like whiplash can cause a herniated disc in your neck or upper back. Some people experience degenerative disc disease, where the spinal discs slowly dry out and the jellylike substance no longer functions properly.
Treatments for a Herniated Disc
There are many types of noninvasive and conservative approaches to treatment to try before resorting to surgical intervention. These treatment options may include working with a car accident chiropractor after you’ve been injured in a wreck, or with an orthopedic doctor for spine and back pain as you age. Physical therapy can also help with managing back and neck pain. A physical therapist can work with you to learn stretches and exercises to promote strength and stability in your spine for pain relief.
4 Types of Surgery for a Herniated Disc
Many people with a herniated disc will be able to use conservative treatment approaches to address the issue. However, your doctor may recommend surgery if these treatment options have been unsuccessful in addressing your pain and discomfort. Here are four types of surgery your doctor may recommend depending on your herniated disc.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy was the most common surgical procedure for pressure on the spine and surrounding nerve roots. During this surgical procedure, a neurosurgeon would remove part of the spine called the lamina. The lamina is a protective layer of bone that runs along the back of the spinal canal. During a laminectomy, a surgeon may also remove any ligament tissue that has thickened and is putting too much pressure on nearby nerves.
Fenestration
Fenestration is a type of surgical procedure that involves removing the damaged spinal disc. This type of surgical intervention is considered minimally invasive and can provide immediate pain relief. Fenestration is also a less time-consuming surgery and studies have shown it has fewer complications and less blood loss. Your surgeon may recommend fenestration over the traditional laminectomy surgical procedure depending on where the herniated disc is located.
Discectomy
If you have a herniated disc in your lower back, also known as the lumbar spine, then your doctor may recommend a microlumbar discectomy. Microlumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing soft tissue and is typically an endoscopic procedure. The recovery time for a discectomy is also faster than for a traditional surgery.
Endoscopic Surgery
Another example of a minimally invasive spinal procedure is endoscopic surgery. This type of procedure involves inserting a thin, tube-like device that has a camera and light attached. This provides clear visuals for the surgeon and helps to restore normal positioning of the herniated disc.
To learn more about spinal surgery options for your herniated disc, visit AICA neurosurgery in Lithia Springs.