Chronic back pain is a common complaint among Americans. Almost 65 million people in the United States say they have experienced a recent episode of back pain, while 8% of adults experience chronic or persistent back pain which limited everyday activities.
One surgical treatment option for people experiencing lower back pain related to damaged or failing spinal discs is a discectomy. It is a recommended option particarly for people who have been unsuccessful with conservative measures such as physical therapy, pain medication, and back exercises.
In this blog post, we will highlight everything you need to know about discectomy when looking for a surgical center near me.
What is Discectomy Surgery?
Discectomy surgery is a common procedure that removes part of a damaged or failing disc in order to relieve pressure on nerves. It helps to reduce both lower back pain and sciatica (pain down the legs).
A spinal disc that has ruptured or slipped can put pressure on the nerve roots that exit on either side of the vertebra. This is what results in lower back pain and sciatica. Discectomy helps to relieve this pain by removing a portion of the spinal disc.
When to Consider Discectomy
You may wish to consider about this surgery if conservative treatments have not been effective. If you have trouble standing or walking, going to work, or carrying out everyday activities, discectomy is an excellent option.
There are a number of conservative methods you can try before opting for surgery. One of these is simply to wait, given that in cases of disc-related back pain, many people will notice significant improvements within several weeks.
What Does It Work?
There are a number of different types of discectomies a surgeon can perform. In the standard discectomy, known as open discectomy, the surgeon makes an incision that provides a clear view of the disc and then uses surgical instruments to trim away part of it.
A less invasive option is a microdiscectomy. After making a small incision, the suregon will observe the disc in question using a video. Once observed, the part of the disc is trimmed away as with an open discectomy.
A third option that a surgeon may use is known as a percutaneous discectomy.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Following the surgeon, patients will spend time in the recovery room while waking up from the anesthesia. While most people can go home the same day as the surgery, it will be necessary to have someone drive you. You will receive instructions on how to keep the surgical incision clean.
It generally ranges from 2 to 6 weeks before a person can begin to resume normal activities following a discectomy. You should rest as much as possible during this time and avoid putting stress on the spine.
Surgical Center Near Me for Discectomy Surgery
Howell Allen Clinic is your premier choice for discectomy surgery in Tennessee and Kentucky. If you are looking for a surgical center near me, contact our spine surgery center today.
