Herniated Disc Surgery: Diagnosis, Treatment & Cost

Herniated Disc Surgery - Diagnosis, Treatment & Cost
Herniated Disc Surgery: Are you suffering from a herniated disc that causes chronic back pain, numbness, and limited mobility? If you are looking for a reliable solution for a herniated disc and conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication fail to bring relief, then herniated disc surgery might be the right choice. Here, we will provide you with everything you need to know about herniated disc surgery, its diagnosis process, treatment plans, cost, and more. Dr. Shelby Burks is a board-certified neurosurgeon who provides personalized treatment plans and quality medical care to every patient.

Herniated Disc Surgery: Diagnosis, Treatment & Cost

A herniated disc is a spinal condition that typically occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of the disc in the spine, also called the slipped disc. Severe back pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, back, and legs might result from this condition.

Common Causes Or Risk Factors For Herniated Disc

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Repetitive Lifting Or Twisting
  • Sedentary Lifestyle

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Here are some of the major symptoms of a herniated disc, including:
  • Pain in the lower back & neck
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Radiculopathy
  • Muscle spasms
  • Difficulty moving or bending
  • Pain that worsens at night or after standing or sitting
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills, balance, or walking
  • In rare cases, bowel or bladder incontinence

Diagnosis of Herniated Disc

Herniated disc diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination and possibly imaging tests. To address pain, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation, physical exams are performed, and imaging helps to visualize the condition and surrounding structures.

Medical History and Physical Exam:

Expert neurosurgeons, such as Dr. Burks, inquire about your symptoms, perform some physical tests, and review the medical history of the injury.

Imaging Tests:

  • MRI
  • CT Scan
  • Myelogram

Other Tests:

  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • X-rays

Non-Surgical Treatments For Herniated Disc

Nonsurgical treatments for herniated discs typically focus on reducing inflammation, pain management, and restoring function, and these treatments include medications, physical therapy, heat and cold therapy, and other nonsurgical treatments such as spinal decompression, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

When is Surgery Necessary?

When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain relievers, etc, fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered effective for a herniated disc. Several factors indicate that you might need surgery, such as:
  • Severe and persistent pain
  • Neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, and weakness)
  • Failure of conservative treatment
  • Surgery may be necessary if severe symptoms develop suddenly

Types of Herniated Disc Surgery

Dr. Burks offers several advanced surgical techniques according to the needs of each patient's condition. There are several types of herniated disc surgery, including:
  • Microdiscectomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Artificial Disk Replacement
  • Spinal Fusion

What to Expect During Surgery

Here is what you should expect during herniated disc surgery: Before Surgery: The patient typically undergoes a full pre-operative assessment, and based on these assessments, personalized preparation instructions are provided by the surgeon. During the Procedure:
  • The surgery is performed under general anesthesia
  • Surgery takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity
  • Imaging tools are used for precision
Post-Oprative Care: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring recovery and any signs of recurrence.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

After herniated disc surgery, recovery involves a multi-step process, which includes: Initial Recovery: Patients resume their light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Physical Therapy: After surgery, patients start to regain their strength and flexibility. Full Recovery: Within 6 to 8 weeks, patients recover completely. Expert surgeons, such as Dr. Burks, provide personalized postoperative medical care to minimize the risk of recurrence and support long-term spinal health.

Cost of Herniated Disc Surgery

The average cost of herniated disc surgery ranges from somewhere around $15,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on numerous factors such as the type of treatment procedure. Factors influencing the cost:
  • Type of surgery
  • Geographic location
  • Surgeon's expertise
  • Hospital fees
  • Pre and post-operative care
  • Insurance coverage
  • Additional procedures

Why Choose Dr. Burks for Herniated Disc Surgery?

Dr. Burks is a world-renowned neurosurgeon who is dedicated to providing quality medical care and personalized treatment plans according to the unique needs of each patient. With a team of expert surgeons, he has performed numerous surgeries, including herniated disc surgery, with optimal results and faster recovery. Here are some key reasons why you should choose Dr. Burks for herniated disc surgery:
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Extensive experience and expertise
  • Personalized medical care
  • Cutting-edge technology

Schedule a Consultation Today!

If you want to learn more about herniated disc surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Shelby Burks today through the given contact details: Phone Number: 305-243-6946, 305-243-3337 Address: 1120 NW 14th Street / Miami, FL 33136

Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Disc Surgery

Question 1. What is the average cost of herniated disc surgery?

Answer. The average cost of herniated disc surgery typically ranges from around $15,000 to over $100,000, depending on several factors such as the type of procedure, the hospital or facility, the surgeon's fees, and the overall health of the patient.

Question 2. How high is the success rate of herniated disc surgery?

Answer. Herniated disc surgery, such as discectomy, has a success rate that ranges from 70% to 90%. While other procedures, such as microdiscectomy, show good results in over 80% of the patients, laser disc repair offers a success rate of 95%.

Question 3. How much time is taken to recover after herniated disc surgery?

Answer. Most of the patients typically take 4 to 8 weeks to recover after herniated disc surgery, but the recovery time may vary depending on the type of surgery and the complexity of the condition.

Question 4. Are there any side effects of herniated disc surgery?

Answer. There are some potential side effects and complications, such as bleeding, infection, leaking spinal fluid, or injury to blood vessels or nerves in and around the spine.
About the Doctor
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Dr. Shelby Burks

Dr. Stephen Shelby Burks is the best neurosurgeon and treats painful conditions of the spine and nerves in Miami, Florida. He is renowned for offering exceptional care to patients experiencing conditions affecting the neck, back, brain, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system. His areas of specialization encompass the comprehensive treatment of pain, various diseases, disorders, and injuries associated with the spine and brain.

1120 NW 14th Street / Miami, FL 33136
305-243-6946