Surgery for a slipped disc (herniated disc) is typically considered when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief, and the patient’s symptoms are severe, persistent, or causing neurological deficits. Surgery is usually a last resort when other non-surgical approaches have failed to alleviate pain or if there is a risk of permanent nerve damage. The decision to undergo surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, considering various factors such as the individual’s medical history, the specific symptoms, the extent of the disc herniation, and the patient’s overall health.
Surgery for a slipped disc may be recommended in the following situations:
Severe Pain: If the pain is severe and significantly affects the individual’s daily activities, work, or quality of life, surgery may be considered.
Nerve Compression: When the herniated disc compresses a spinal nerve, causing neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the affected nerve.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: If there is a loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome), which is a rare but serious complication of a slipped disc, emergency surgery is required to decompress the nerves and prevent permanent damage.
Lack of Improvement with Conservative Treatments: If several weeks or months of non-surgical treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, pain medications, and epidural injections, do not provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered.
Progressive Neurological Deficits: If the neurological symptoms are worsening over time, surgery may be necessary to prevent further nerve damage.
The specific surgical procedure for a slipped disc depends on the location and severity of the herniation. Common surgical approaches include:
Discectomy: A discectomy involves removing the part of the herniated disc that is pressing on the spinal nerve, relieving the nerve compression.
Microdiscectomy: This is a minimally invasive version of a discectomy, where a small incision is made, and special surgical instruments are used to remove the herniated disc material.
Spinal Fusion: In some cases, a spinal fusion may be performed along with a discectomy to stabilize the spine if there is instability caused by disc removal.
It’s important to note that surgery carries inherent risks, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified spine surgeon. The surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation, discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery, and provide personalized recommendations based on the individual’s condition and medical history. Additionally, post-operative rehabilitation and adherence to the surgeon’s recommendations are crucial for a successful recovery after spine surgery.
