Herniated Disc Surgery

The excruciating pain that accompanies the dislodging of a disc of the spinal canal is not something that can be put into words. Most patients with the irregularity opt for Herniated disc surgery. The urgency arises out of the fragment of dislodged disc pressing against the spinal cord. Many a time, it even stresses nerves that surround the spinal cord. The pressure exerted leads to the manifestation of symptoms like back and leg pain and weakness of muscles.

Reason for Discomfort

A herniated disc is the result of a shift in the ‘cushion’ that occupies the space between the spinal vertebrae. When this gets pushed out of its normal position, it is diagnosed as a herniated disc. Spinal discs have nerves located very close to the edges. When, with age, the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it ruptures. The herniated disc bulge pinches the spinal nerves and spinal cord. Any kind of pressure or stress to these nerves or shift in position of the sensitively located disc develops the need to consider herniated disc surgery. The condition could be the outcome of a nasty fall or an accident. It is also observed in the case of repetitive and neglected straining on the spine. A previous condition of stenosis of spine also results in a herniated disc.

Preliminary Tests

The herniated disc surgery involves a number of preliminary tests to determine the extent to which the spinal disc is dislodged. Clinical research helps to find out more about the rigidity of the region that sets in with age. The MRI scan is conducted to display evidence of disc deterioration. Though it is a condition that is normally seen in aged people, patients as young as 30 have also been diagnosed with herniated disc.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated spinal disc manifest mainly due to the compression of the spinal nerves. This results in occasional passing through of abnormal signals or no signals at all. The symptoms commonly associated with a herniated disc include:

• Electric shock pains: These are especially experienced when the stress on the nerves occurs in the cervical region and the lumbar. The excruciating pain can be felt in the arms and down the legs.
• Abnormal sensations and muscle weakness: Patients report tingling and sometimes numbness in the limbs. On account of the nerve irritation and subsequent interruption of brain signals, muscle weakness is observed.

If left neglected, the condition could worsen into the Cauda Equina Syndrome. This medical emergency results in problems with urination and bowel movements.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a herniated disc involves physical examination. Tests are conducted for measuring sensations, muscle strength and reflexes. An MRI is conducted to highlight the abnormality. The diagnosis and treatment plan largely depend on the results of the physical examination and MRI.

Herniated Disc Surgery

The surgical treatment involves the careful removal of the dislodged fragment of spinal disc. The pressure on the nerve is released via discectomy. In Open Discectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision of about 3 centimeters, to re-lodge the herniated disc and relieve the pressure on the nerve. The operation lasts an hour, depending on the extent of damage. The surgery demands the use of special instruments to remove bone and ligament via Laminotomy. Thereafter, the spinal nerves are focused on for life and de-stress, with the removal of the herniated disc fragment. The surgeon is at this point in time in a position to take a call on the condition of the remaining disc. On cleaning out the region, the incision is bandaged. Endoscopic Discectomy involves the use of special instruments and a camera to remove the herniated disc. In this case the incisions are very small. The procedure accomplishes the same goal, but here the surgeon uses a camera to locate the fragment and the procedure may not require general anesthesia.

Recovery

The previous symptoms like leg pain dissipate after a number of weeks, post surgery. Pain around the incision made is natural and controlled with oral medication. Patients are not encouraged to stay in hospital beyond a day. Doctors do recommend the use of a lumbar corset brace sometimes. Recovery from Herniated Disc Surgery is best when the patient exercises caution in movements after the surgery.