How Easy Is It to Reherniate a Disc after Surgery?

Disc herniation is a painful condition that often leads patients to seek surgical intervention. While surgery can provide significant relief, there is a lingering concern about the possibility of reherniation. Understanding the likelihood of reherniation and how to mitigate the risks is crucial for patients who have undergone or are considering disc surgery. In this article you will learn about the factors influencing reherniation and suggests preventative measures and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the chances of a recurrence of the disc herniation.

Understanding Disc Herniation 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks out through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness, often necessitating medical intervention. Commonly affecting the lumbar spine, herniated discs can also occur in the cervical spine. Treatments range from conservative methods, such as physical therapy and medications, to surgical interventions when nonsurgical approaches fail.

Types of Disc Surgery

The most common surgeries for herniated discs include:

• Discectomy/microdiscectomy – Removal of the herniated portion of the disc to alleviate nerve pressure
• Laminectomy – Removal of part of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves
• Spinal fusion – Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine

Each type has its own risks and benefits, but they all aim to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Risk of Reherniation

Reherniation refers to the recurrence of disc herniation after surgical treatment. This can happen at the same site of the initial surgery or, less commonly, at a different level of the spine. Reherniation is a significant concern because it can lead to a return of symptoms, requiring additional treatments or surgeries.

The likelihood of reherniation varies, with studies suggesting 5–15% of patients experience a recurrence within the first year after surgery. This risk decreases over time but never completely disappears. 

Factors Influencing Reherniation Risk

Several factors can influence the likelihood of reherniation:

• Surgical technique – The skill and experience of the surgeon play a crucial role. Advanced techniques and meticulous surgical practices can reduce the risk of reherniation.
• Patient characteristics – Younger patients and those with certain genetic predispositions may have a higher risk. Additionally, patients with a history of smoking, obesity, or poor overall health are more prone to reherniation.
• Postoperative care – Adhering to postoperative care instructions is vital. This includes avoiding activities that put undue stress on the spine, following a physical therapy regimen, and making necessary lifestyle changes.
• Physical activity – High-impact activities or jobs that involve heavy lifting can increase the risk of reherniation. It is important to gradually return to normal activities and avoid any that could strain the spine.

Preventing Reherniation

While it is not always possible to prevent reherniation, several strategies can significantly reduce the risk:

• Follow postoperative instructions – Adherence to your surgeon’s advice about rest, activity levels, and physical therapy is crucial. Ignoring these guidelines can increase the likelihood of reherniation.
• Engage in physical therapy – A well-structured physical therapy program can strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, increase flexibility, and reduce the risk of reherniation. Therapists can also teach proper body mechanics and posture techniques.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Excess body weight puts additional strain on the spine. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can alleviate this pressure and reduce the risk of reherniation.
• Quit smoking – Smoking impairs blood flow and nutrient delivery to spinal tissues, which can hinder healing and increase the risk of reherniation. Quitting smoking improves overall spinal health and recovery.
• Avoid high-risk activities – Limiting activities that involve heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or high impact on the spine is essential. When such activities are unavoidable, using proper techniques and protective gear can help.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Long-Term Spine Health

In addition to specific preventative measures, adopting a lifestyle that supports overall spine health is beneficial:

• Regular exercise – Engage in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Strengthening core muscles can provide better support for the spine.
• Proper nutrition – A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients promotes bone health and supports spinal recovery.
• Good posture – Maintain proper posture when sitting, standing, or lifting objects. Ergonomic furniture and mindful habits can prevent unnecessary strain on the spine.
• Stress management – Chronic stress can contribute to muscle tension and back pain. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can improve overall spine health.

Reherniation after disc surgery is a legitimate concern, but understanding the risk factors and taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the likelihood. Following postoperative care instructions, engaging in physical therapy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding high-risk activities are key to minimizing the chances of reherniation. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop comprehensive plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring a successful recovery and long-term spine health. By taking these measures, patients can enhance their quality of life and enjoy the benefits of a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Although discectomy surgery is generally a very successful procedure, patients with a larger hole in the outer ring of the disc have a significantly higher risk of reherniation following surgery. Often, the surgeon will not know the size of the hole until he or she begins surgery. A new treatment, Barricaid, which is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, was specifically designed to close the large hole often left in the spinal disc after discectomy. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. In a large-scale study, 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study timeframe. 

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.