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 Weeks
One 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 circumstances 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.
Comments