How Can You Prevent a Discectomy?

A discectomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve caused by a herniated disc. While the surgery is effective for relieving pain and restoring function, many people prefer to avoid surgery if possible. Fortunately, there are various nonsurgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and preventive measures that can reduce the risk of needing a discectomy. In this article, you will learn how to prevent a discectomy with exercise, posture, weight management, and noninvasive treatment options.

Understanding What a Herniated Disc Is

The spine is made up of vertebrae that are cushioned by discs, which act as shock absorbers. These discs have a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a softer inner core known as the nucleus pulposus. A herniated disc occurs when the inner core pushes through the outer layer, causing the disc to protrude and press against a nearby nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness. 

Common causes of disc herniation include:

• Age-related degeneration
• Repetitive strain or injury
• Poor posture
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Genetic factors

A discectomy is performed to remove the damaged part of the disc to relieve nerve pressure. However, many cases of disc herniation can be managed without surgery by focusing on preventive strategies and lifestyle modifications.

Proper Posture

One of the most effective ways to prevent disc herniation—and by extension, avoid discectomy—is by maintaining proper posture. Poor posture places unnecessary strain on the spine, particularly the discs. 

Here are a few key tips for proper posture:

• Sitting – Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor. Use a chair with lumbar support if possible.
• Standing – Stand with your head aligned over your shoulders and hips. Avoid slouching or leaning forward, which can strain the lower back.
• Sleeping – Sleep on a mattress that provides adequate support. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can also help you maintain spinal alignment.

Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly strengthens the muscles that support the spine, which reduces the risk of a herniated disc. A balanced exercise routine focusing on flexibility, strength, and aerobic fitness can greatly contribute to spine health. A recent study published in Frontiers in Physiology emphasizes the role of exercise in managing and preventing lumbar disc herniation, suggesting a structured exercise regimen can delay or even prevent the need for surgery. 

Effective exercises for disc health include:

• Core strengthening – Exercises like planks, bridges, and abdominal crunches strengthen the core muscles that support the lower back and reduce pressure on the spine. One study found core strengthening exercises significantly improved pain and function in patients with chronic low back pain.
• Low-impact aerobic activities – Walking, swimming, and cycling improve overall spine health without putting excessive stress on the discs.
• Flexibility training – Stretching exercises, particularly for the hamstrings and lower back, can increase flexibility and reduce tension in the spine. A systematic review found stretching exercises were effective in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Weight Management

Carrying excess weight, especially around the abdomen, places additional strain on the spine. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the discs and lowers the risk of herniation. For individuals with obesity, weight loss through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential in preventing disc problems and avoiding surgery. 

To effectively manage your weight:

• Eat a balanced diet – Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. These nutrient-dense foods support overall health and help you maintain an optimal weight.
• Limit processed foods – Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats that can lead to weight gain.
• Stay hydrated – Proper hydration keeps the intervertebral discs hydrated, which can reduce the risk of degeneration.

Nonsurgical Treatments

For individuals with mild to moderate disc herniation, nonsurgical treatments are often effective in managing symptoms and preventing the need for a discectomy. 

The most common nonsurgical treatments include:

• Physical therapy – Physical therapists design exercise programs tailored to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine. Physical therapy can reduce pain, increase mobility, and prevent surgery.
• Chiropractic care – Spinal manipulation by a licensed chiropractor can alleviate pressure on spinal nerves and restore proper alignment, reducing pain and promoting healing.
• Epidural steroid injections – In some cases, a corticosteroid injection near the affected disc can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Pain management – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the herniated disc.

Spine-Friendly Habits

Incorporating habits that protect your spine can prevent disc herniation and reduce the risk of needing a discectomy. 

Examples of spine-friendly habits include:

• Avoiding prolonged sitting – Sitting for long periods compresses the discs in your lower back. If your job requires sitting, take frequent breaks to stand and stretch.
• Lifting properly – When lifting heavy objects, use your legs rather than your back. Keep the object close to your body, and avoid twisting motions that can strain the spine.
• Quitting smoking – Smoking has been shown to accelerate disc degeneration, as nicotine reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, hindering their ability to repair themselves.

Ergonomic Adjustments

If your work environment requires repetitive movements or prolonged sitting, consider making ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on your spine. This may include adjusting the height of your chair, positioning your computer screen at eye level, and using a standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension and poor posture, which may contribute to disc problems. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Progressive muscle relaxation

Mind-body practices like yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can alleviate back pain and prevent disc-related issues. Yoga, in particular, combines stretching, strength, and balance exercises that increase flexibility and strengthen the core. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that yoga was as effective as physical therapy in treating chronic lower back pain. Incorporating yoga into your routine can improve spinal health and reduce the likelihood of needing surgery.

Preventing a discectomy requires a proactive approach to spinal health. By maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, managing your weight, and using nonsurgical treatments, you can reduce the risk of disc herniation and avoid surgery. Adopting spine-friendly habits, making ergonomic adjustments, and practicing mind-body techniques like yoga will also help keep your spine healthy.

If you are experiencing back pain or signs of disc herniation, consult a healthcare professional. Early intervention through conservative treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and may eliminate the need for surgery altogether.

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 today.

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