Endoscopic Procedures
Vertebral discs are the gel-filled cushions that separate your spine’s bones (vertebrae). They are composed of a tough outer ring and a jelly-like center.
If the disc is damaged, the tough outer ring can stretch or tear, pushing on the spine’s nerves and causing symptoms (a bulging disc or herniated disc). In addition, a herniated disc causes the disc’s soft center to leak or squeeze out, irritating the spine’s nerves and causing symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Symptoms of a herniated disc include:
- Severe neck or back pain
- Severe arm or leg pain
- Weakness in the affected arm or leg
Surgery should only be used as a last resort after all other non-surgical options have been attempted, including:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Injections
How is an endoscopic microdiscectomy performed?
Endoscopic Microdiscectomy is the most common surgery for herniated discs. In this surgery:
- A one- to two-inch incision is made in your spine on the side of the herniation.
- The surgeon then finds the herniation and removes the herniated piece.
- The surgery usually lasts about one to two hours, and many people feel improvement right upon waking up.
Lumbar Decompression
Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine. It’s only recommended when non-surgical treatments haven’t helped.
The surgery aims to improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine.
Lumbar decompression surgery is often used to treat:
- spinal stenosis – narrowing of a section of the spinal column, which puts pressure on the nerves inside
- a slipped disc and sciatica – where a damaged spinal disc presses down on an underlying nerve
How is a lumbar decompression performed?
If lumbar decompression surgery is recommended, you’ll usually have at least 1 of the following procedures:
- laminectomy – where a section of bone is removed from 1 of your vertebrae (spinal bones) to relieve pressure on the affected nerve
- discectomy – where a section of a damaged disc is removed to relieve pressure on a nerve
- spinal fusion – where 2 or more vertebrae are joined together with a section of bone to stabilize and strengthen the spine
In many cases, a combination of these techniques may be used.
Lumbar decompression is usually carried out under general anesthetic, which means you’ll be unconscious during the procedure and won’t feel any pain as it’s carried out. The whole operation usually takes at least an hour, but may take much longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
OrthoNC offers comprehensive spine expertise
OrthoNC’s spine specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, non-surgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeon offers proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, make an appointment online, or call us at (919) 562-9410 to schedule a spine consultation.