The vertebrae in your spine are separated by soft discs filled with fluid. These discs protect your vertebrae from rubbing against one another and absorb shock from impacts. It’s possible for one or more of the discs to be damaged, which causes their fluid to burst or slip out, putting pressure on the nerves in your spine. This is known as a herniated disc.
Treatments for a herniated disc vary depending on its severity. In many cases, orthopedic surgery is a reliable treatment option.
The benefits of orthopedic surgery for a herniated disc include:
- Reduced pain
- Improved range of motion
- Improved balance
- Improved control over bowel and bladder functions
If you have pain related to a herniated disc, talk to your doctor about if orthopedic surgery is right for you. It may be exactly what you need to reduce back pain and improve your quality of life.
Types of orthopedic surgery for herniated discs
Orthopedic surgeons have several options for treating a herniated disc, including:
- Spinal fusion — The goal of spinal fusion is to fuse two or more vertebrae together into one solid piece. This provides support in the area where the slipped disc was causing pressure and pain. Spinal fusion is often performed as a minimally invasive procedure at the Florida Spine and Joint Institute.
- Discectomy — If the herniated disc is badly damaged, part or all of the disc may need to be removed. Typically, spinal fusion is necessary as a follow-up procedure to provide support for the spine where the disc was removed.
- Disc replacement — If only one disc is damaged, your surgeon may consider total disc replacement surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon will remove the damaged disc and insert an artificial one in its place.
If you need more than one disc replaced or have a chronic condition like arthritis, you will benefit from other procedures instead. - Laminectomy — The lamina is the part of your vertebrae that covers and protects the nerves. In some cases of a herniated disc, it may be necessary to remove a portion of the lamina to take some pressure off the nerves.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for herniated disc surgery
If you have chronic pain in your spine that isn’t responding to stretching and other conservative treatments, you may need orthopedic surgery. Our orthopedic surgeon at the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute can examine your spine and determine which surgery will be best for you.
Contact us today to learn more about herniated disc surgery or to schedule an initial appointment.
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