What Are the Benefits of Avoiding Discectomy?
When debilitating back pain strikes, many individuals consider surgical options like discectomy as a potential solution. While discectomy can be effective in certain cases, it is essential to explore alternative treatments before going under the knife. This article delves into the reasons you might want to avoid discectomy and discover safer, nonsurgical alternatives that can offer effective relief and promote long-term wellbeing.
Understanding Discectomy
A discectomy is a surgical procedure often recommended for individuals with herniated or bulging discs in their spine. During this operation, the surgeon removes a portion of the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the nerves, reducing pain and discomfort. While discectomy has its merits, it comes with several drawbacks and potential complications that make it a less desirable option for some.
Risks and Complications
There are several reasons some patients may want to avoid discectomy, such as:
- It is not always effective – A discectomy does not guarantee the symptoms will be completely resolved or that they will not recur in the future. According to a study by Mayo Clinic, about 5 to 10 percent of patients who undergo discectomy may experience no improvement or worsening of their symptoms after surgery. Moreover, about 10 to 15 percent of patients may develop a recurrent disc herniation within one year after surgery.
- It is invasive and risky – A discectomy is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, incisions, and instruments to access and remove the herniated disc material. As with any surgery, discectomy carries a risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, leaking spinal fluid, and injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine. Some of these complications may require additional surgery or treatment to correct them.
- It has a long recovery time – Discectomy recovery usually requires a hospital stay of one to three days and a recovery period of four to six weeks. During this time, the patient may experience pain, swelling, bruising, or stiffness at the surgical site. The patient may also need to limit his or her activities and follow certain instructions and precautions for wound care and rehabilitation. The patient may also need to take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage his or her discomfort.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
These are procedures that use small incisions and specialized instruments to access and treat the herniated disc without removing it completely. Some of the common minimally invasive procedures are:
- Microdiscectomy – This is a procedure that involves making a small incision in the back and using a microscope and special instruments to remove only the herniated disc material that is compressing the nerve
- Endoscopic discectomy – This is a procedure that involves making a small incision in the back and using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light) and special instruments to remove the herniated disc material through the tube
- Laser discectomy – This is a procedure that involves making a small incision in the back and using a laser (a beam of light) to vaporize or shrink the herniated disc material
Nonsurgical Alternatives
There are nonsurgical alternatives that can help you avoid the risks associated with discectomy while still providing effective relief for your back pain:
- Physical therapy – Physical therapy offers targeted exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. A skilled physical therapist can create a customized plan to address your specific needs, providing long-term benefits without the need for surgery.
- Medication – Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help you manage pain and inflammation associated with back problems. While medication does not address the root cause, it can offer temporary relief and improve your quality of life.
- Epidural steroid injections – For individuals with severe pain, epidural steroid injections can provide substantial relief by reducing inflammation around the affected nerve. These injections can be a less invasive option for managing pain and may offer relief for weeks or even months.
- Chiropractic care – Chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations performed by trained professionals can alleviate pain and improve spinal function. This non-invasive approach focuses on realigning the spine to promote natural healing.
- Acupuncture – Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Many individuals with back pain have found relief through this alternative treatment.
Lifestyle Changes and Prevention
In addition to nonsurgical treatments, adopting a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures can play a crucial role in managing back pain and avoiding surgery:
- Maintaining a healthy weight – Excess weight places additional strain on the spine. By maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, you can reduce the pressure on your back and decrease the likelihood of further injury.
- Proper posture – Practicing good posture is essential for spinal health. Incorporate ergonomic changes into your daily routine, whether at work or at home, to reduce the stress on your spine.
- Regular exercise – Engage in low-impact exercises that strengthen your core muscles and promote spinal health. Activities like swimming, yoga, and walking can help you maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of future back problems.
- Stress management – Chronic stress can exacerbate back pain. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine to alleviate tension.
While discectomy can be a valid treatment option for severe cases of back pain, it should not be the first choice for everyone. The risks and potential complications associated with back surgery make it crucial to explore nonsurgical alternatives that can offer effective relief and promote long-term wellbeing. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for your specific condition, and remember that a holistic approach to back pain management can lead to a healthier, pain-free future.
Even though discectomy 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 reinjure themselves by having what is known as a reherniation. These 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 treatmentis 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 at 844-705-1081.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.