How Long Should You Wait to Get a Microdiscectomy?

Dealing with chronic pain caused by a herniated disc can greatly impact one’s quality of life. If conservative treatments have failed to provide relief, a microdiscectomy may be a viable option. However, many individuals wonder how long they should wait before opting for this surgical procedure. In this article you will learn about the factors that influence the waiting period for a microdiscectomy and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Understanding the Microdiscectomy Procedure

Before discussing the waiting period, it is essential to understand what a microdiscectomy entails. A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain associated with a herniated disc. By removing the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the spinal nerve, this procedure aims to provide long-lasting relief and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Early Symptoms and Evaluation 

The journey toward microdiscectomy often begins with the onset of symptoms such as persistent back pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness. If you experience these symptoms, seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial. Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Conservative Treatment Options

Before considering surgery, doctors typically recommend conservative treatments to manage symptoms and improve function. Conservative treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy – Exercises and stretches are designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and increase flexibility.
• Medication – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants may alleviate discomfort.
• Epidural steroid injections – Injections of corticosteroids directly into the affected area of the spine can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

While there is no fixed waiting period for a microdiscectomy, conservative treatments are typically attempted for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, patients are closely monitored to gauge their response to these treatments. If significant improvement is not observed, surgery may be discussed and potentially recommended.

Many individuals experience relief from their symptoms within this initial waiting period. However, it is essential to note that every case is unique, and some patients may require a longer trial of conservative treatments before opting for surgery. The waiting period also allows time for patients to explore different treatment options, gather more information, and make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Factors Influencing Timing

Several factors influence the timing of microdiscectomy, including:

• Medical history – Your medical history, including any previous surgeries or underlying health conditions, will be evaluated before determining the waiting period. These factors may influence the overall risk associated with the surgery and affect the timing of the procedure. For example, if you have a history of blood clotting disorders or uncontrolled diabetes, your surgeon may advise waiting until these conditions are well managed before proceeding with the microdiscectomy.
• Quality of life – Assessing how much your condition impacts your daily life is crucial. If your pain is preventing you from participating in activities you enjoy or affecting your ability to work, waiting for an extended period may not be advisable. Constant pain and its impact on your quality of life can lead to emotional distress and a decline in overall wellbeing.
• Physician’s recommendation – It is essential to discuss your condition with a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in spine surgery. The physician's expertise will guide you in understanding the appropriate waiting period based on your unique circumstances. The doctor will consider various factors, including your medical history, severity of symptoms, and response to nonsurgical treatments, to provide you with specific recommendations tailored to your needs.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from microdiscectomy is generally quicker compared to more invasive procedures. Most patients experience significant pain relief shortly after surgery and can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Physical therapy is often part of the postoperative rehabilitation process to strengthen the back and prevent future injuries.

Personal Considerations

Apart from the factors mentioned above, there are personal considerations to keep in mind while deciding when to get a microdiscectomy. Factors such as work schedules, financial constraints, and personal commitments may influence the timing of the procedure. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about these factors to ensure they are taken into account during the decision-making process.

Understanding the impact of these personal factors is crucial because it allows you to plan and prepare for the surgery appropriately. For example, you may need to make arrangements to take time off work, organize support from family or friends during your recovery period, or explore options for financial assistance or insurance coverage.

The decision of how long to wait before getting a microdiscectomy is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors. While conservative treatments are often recommended initially, surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen. Consulting with spine specialists and actively participating in the decision-making process can ensure the best possible outcome for your back pain management. Through open communication with your healthcare provider, you can receive the necessary guidance to navigate this decision-making process and ultimately find relief from your debilitating pain.

Even though microdiscectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, a hole is frequently left in the outer wall of the disc. In fact, patients with these large holes in their discs are more than twice as likely to reherniate. Reherniations often require additional surgery or even fusions. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, 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 or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us today.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.