Microdiscectomy

What is Microdiscectomy

The microdiscectomy is a surgical approach that is specifically designed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, which can be caused by a herniated intervertebral disc. A herniated disc is a condition that frequently occurs in the lower back or lumbar spine, where the gelatinous inner substance of the disc can escape through a tear in the outer, fibrous ring or annulus fibrosus. This can lead to compression of the spinal cord or surrounding nerves, which can result in a range of symptoms, such as pain, sensory changes, or weakness in the lower extremities. Generally, a microdiscectomy is recommended for individuals with a herniated lumbar disc who have not experienced sufficient relief from conservative treatments. During this surgical procedure, specialized microsurgical techniques are used to gain access to the lumbar spine, and only the portion of the herniated disc that is compressing the spinal nerve is removed.

Conditions Treated by Microdiscectomy

In his practice, Dr. Shelby Burks frequently employs microdiscectomy as a means of treating sciatica, a condition that often arises when a herniated disc or bone spur in the lumbar spine places pressure on a segment of the nerve. The symptoms of sciatica may include inflammation, lower back pain, and, most notably, pain in the legs.

It is advised to consider microdiscectomy under such circumstances:

• You suffer from intense leg pain, numbness, or weakness affecting regular activity.
• All nonsurgical approaches including medications fail to produce results.
• Dr. Shelby Burks concludes that surgery can alleviate your pain. This conclusion is made after a thorough physical exam.
• You are diagnosed with ‘Cauda Equina Syndrome’, a rare disorder. This is an emergency and needs surgery to prevent permanent damage.

Is a Microdiscectomy Painful?

Post-surgery, the majority of patients typically fare well with a limited dosage of non-opioid pain medication, as well as a muscle relaxant. Although some degree of discomfort may be experienced due to the surgical incision, a considerable number of patients report a prompt reduction in pain stemming from the herniated disc.

Patients experiencing nerve compression and its accompanying symptoms for an extended duration may take longer to achieve significant pain relief. Typically, in situations where leg pain has been the primary symptom, the pain subsides gradually from the leg. Furthermore, following surgery, patients may encounter muscle cramping, as well as mild numbness or tingling sensations; however, such occurrences are usually temporary and resolve on their own over time.

Risks and Complications

Listed below are some of the potential risks associated with microdiscectomy:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Nerve root damage
• Recurrent disc herniation

After Surgery

At Burks Spine Surgery, patients undergoing microdiscectomy are discharged on the same day as the procedure. Although sitting may be uncomfortable initially, this discomfort typically fades over time. We suggest walking as much as possible to mitigate the risk of scar tissue formation. In general, most patients can resume work duties shortly after the procedure.

Individuals employed in office-based settings can often resume their work duties within 2-4 weeks following the surgery. However, individuals into jobs demanding physical labor may need 4-8 weeks of recovery before returning to work after the procedure.