What is a herniated disc?
Spinal discs are found between the vertebrae and consist of a rubbery material similar to cartilage. They act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine. A sudden stress on the spine - for example lifting a heavy object - can sometimes cause a piece of a disc to rupture or herniate into the spinal canal. Herniated discs cause symptoms when they press on a nerve root or the spinal cord.
Compression of lumbar nerve roots by a herniated disc can cause lumbar radiculopathy, which may consist of back, buttock or leg pain, weakness, sensory changes, and bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction.
What is a lumbar discectomy?
Lumbar discectomy involves the removal of a herniated disc fragment through a small incision in the low back. The remainder of the normal disc is left untouched. Symptom relief is rapid. Lumbar discectomy is usually performed as an outpatient (day) surgery.
Does a herniated disc need surgery?
Most herniated discs will dissolve away over a few months. Treatments such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and nerve pain medicines (e.g. gabapentin) can help reduce symptoms in the period while the disc fragment is dissolving.
If a patient has persistent symptoms after a few months or if the symptoms are severe (e.g. inability to walk or urinate, severe weakness, or cauda equina syndrome), the preferred surgical treatment is a lumbar discectomy.
Should I meet with you?
If you live near Denver and have a herniated disc, please consider meeting me in consultation to learn about treatment options.