Herniated spinal discs are fairly common. Fortunately, surgery is not typically required for a herniated disc. In fact, only about 10 percent of herniated disc patients end up needing surgery, according to research cited by Harvard Health. This article explains what you need to know about herniated spinal discs, treatment, and surgery.Spinal Discs Often Heal within a Few WeeksOne of the reasons
back surgery is rarely required or recommended is because spinal discs have a tendency to heal naturally. Patients typically notice a reduction in discomfort after a few weeks. This is more likely to be the case if you make an effort to improve your posture and participate in a physical therapy program.
It is also possible for the protruding disc material to shift in a way that eases nerve irritation. According to research reported by the National Library of Medicine, 90 percent of patients questioned said they had "good to excellent" results with nonsurgical treatments.There Are Treatments to Consider before Surgery
Unless your symptoms are severe or potentially life-threatening, it may be possible to postpone surgery or avoid it altogether. The good news is there are many nonsurgical remedies and treatments that can ease your discomfort and help you manage your symptoms. This list includes:
• Therapeutic injections
• Hot and cold therapy
• Massage therapy
• Medication
• Posture exercises
• Nonsurgical decompression
When to Consider Surgery
While surgery is rarely required or necessary for a herniated spinal disc, there are times when it may be worth considering. One of the more common reasons to have surgery is if nonsurgical remedies fail to provide significant relief after 3–4 months. Surgery for a damaged spinal disc is also something to consider if the following circ*mstances apply:
• You want to return to a more active lifestyle
• You wish to reduce your reliance on medication
• You have radiating nerve pain and similar disruptive and severe symptoms
• You are having serious and disruptive issues with your mobility
A common surgery for herniated discs is a discectomy, which involves removing part or all of the affected spinal disc. A popular and effective variation is a
microdiscectomy, which is a minimally invasive version of a traditional discectomy. This type of surgery is often successful, and the recovery time is shorter.Talk to Your Doctor
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for whether or not surgery is right for an individual with a herniated disc. It is a decision you will need to make by talking to your doctor. You may also be referred to a spine specialist for a more accurate and detailed diagnosis. Take time to ask questions and gather as much information as you can before making your final decision about surgery. It is also worth noting that some patients may benefit from alternative treatments to avoid or delay surgery, with popular options including acupuncture and mindful meditation.
If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
FAQs
Fortunately, surgery is not typically required for a herniated disc. In fact, only about 10 percent of herniated disc patients end up needing surgery, according to research cited by Harvard Health. This article explains what you need to know about herniated spinal discs, treatment, and surgery.
How bad does a disc have to be for surgery? ›
Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven't helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.
What size herniated disc needs surgery? ›
Unless patients are suffering from exigent conditions, such as cauda equina syndrome, or a profound or progressive neurological deficit necessitating immediate surgery, most patients' symptoms resolve without significant intervention." A more simplified version of this statement: Despite what your doctors might think, ...
How successful is surgery for a herniated disc? ›
Risks / Benefits
Lumbar discectomies have a success rate between 60% and 90%. Several factors contribute to the likelihood that your surgery will be successful. Your surgeon will be able to give you insight into what to expect.
What is the success rate of L4 L5 disc bulge surgery? ›
What is The Success Rate for L4-L5 Spinal Fusion? The estimated success rate of lumbar spinal fusion is 70% to 90%. This rate can vary depending on the condition that the procedure's used to treat.
What happens if you have a herniated disc for too long? ›
Untreated or poorly managed herniated discs can cause a range of complications, including: Nerve Compression: Herniated discs can compress nearby nerves, leading to conditions such as radiculopathy or sciatica, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
Is back surgery worth it for a herniated disc? ›
Surgery can give most people with a herniated disk relief from pain and other symptoms. Yet it doesn't work for everyone. In about 5% of cases, the disk will herniate again. Although surgery offers faster relief than other treatments, it isn't always the best choice.
What is the survival rate for herniated disc surgery? ›
A study found that disc herniation procedures in the neck had a 94 percent long-term success rate, whereas herniation surgeries in the lower back had a 78.9 percent success rate.
Can you live with a herniated disc without surgery? ›
Most people do not need surgery to relieve symptoms of a herniated disc. A few days of rest along with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may be all that's required to alleviate back pain.
What is the new treatment for herniated discs? ›
Unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (UBELD) is a new minimally invasive spine surgery. The purpose of this study is to describe a new surgical method to treat intracanal lumbar disc herniation (LDH) using the unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal approach (UBE-TFA).
Fortunately, surgery is not typically required for a herniated disc. In fact, only about 10 percent of herniated disc patients end up needing surgery, according to research cited by Harvard Health. This article explains what you need to know about herniated spinal discs, treatment, and surgery.
What happens if you don't get herniated disc surgery? ›
An untreated herniated disk can get worse. That's especially true if you continue the activities that caused it — for instance, if it developed because of your work. A worsening ruptured disk may cause chronic (ongoing) pain and loss of control or sensation in the affected area.
Can you live a normal life after herniated disk surgery? ›
While recovery time varies for each individual, many patients can gradually return to their normal activities after a microdiscectomy. It's essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon and gradually increase activity levels as tolerated.
How bad does a bulging disc have to be for surgery? ›
We only consider surgery for a herniated disc if our conservative methods fail to provide relief from your symptoms. Some of the symptoms that may indicate it's time for surgery include: Severe pain that fails to improve with medical interventions. Loss of bowel or bladder control.
What is the age limit for spinal surgery? ›
There's no formal age limit for spinal stenosis surgery.
How long do you stay in the hospital after bulging disc surgery? ›
Recovery after lumbar decompression surgery will depend on your fitness and level of activity prior to surgery. This is why a course of physiotherapy before the operation may be recommended. You'll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it's likely you'll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards.
How do I know if I need disc surgery? ›
You may need this surgery if you have a herniated disk in your lower back that is causing symptoms. The symptoms may include lasting weakness, pain, or tingling in the back area and in one of your legs. Lumbar discectomy can't be used to treat all cases of back pain.
When should you consider disc surgery? ›
If you experience persistent and debilitating pain that doesn't respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections, disc replacement surgery may be a consideration. Pain that significantly affects your daily life and limits your mobility is a key indicator.
Does l4 l5 disc bulge require surgery? ›
It's important to understand that surgery may only be necessary if your pain is really severe, or you have significant disc degeneration, and you experience constant, radiating pain with disturbances in your bladder or bowel movement.
