Herniated disc surgery is often a frightening prospect for many sufferers of chronic back pain. Nearly 80% of the world’s population will experience some form of back pain at some point in their lives. In most cases treatment is not sought and the pain usually resolves itself within about six weeks. Those who are not as fortunate may find that their ongoing pain and discomfort is the result of a herniated inter-vertebral disc. This condition can become severe enough to require a surgical procedure. However, often a lower back problem, a herniated disc can be found in the region of the cervical spine or neck as well.
The need for herniated disc surgery can be a debatable issue with new non-surgical treatments arising frequently. Often called a “slipped disc“, a herniated inter-vertebral disc is the protrusion of a gelatinous, disc shaped pad that lies between the vertebra (bones) of the spine. Their function is to provide a cushion for each of the vertebrae as they rub across one another while the spine moves. However, as the human body ages the disc can either rupture or lose their shape and firmness. A large part of the problem is the apparent evaporation or loss of the gelatinous substance, which is what provides most of the structure. The disc becomes flaccid and begins to protrude beyond the small area between the vertebra, known as the intervertebral space. This process is known as herniation and there are able varying degrees of it.
Most cases requiring herniated disc surgery in the lower back are caused the protruded portion of the disc putting pressure on a bundle of nerves that lead to the lower extremities. This bundle of nerves is called the Dorsal Root Ganglion. The constant pressure on this nerve travels like an electrical current downward through the sciatic nerve. The nerves become inflamed and many who suffer from this affliction have been informed that they have sciatica. Sciatica causes the muscles of the posterior (rear) portion of usually one lower leg to remain tense. The result is a constant nagging pain that radiates from the lower back to the affected leg and sometimes the foot. Cervical herniated discs share the same etiology with the intervertebral discs of the lower back. However, instead of the lower extremities being affected, it is the arms that are often the primary source of pain.
Though there are many different methods for relieving the symptoms of this particular form of back pain, herniated disc surgery can be the most definitive treatment modality in many cases. Back surgery for a herniated disc is not as invasive as it had been only a few decades ago. Surgery to remove a portion of the bulging or ruptured disc is known as a discectomy. Laminotomies or laminectomies remove some or all of the protective covering over the spinal cord called the lamina. These surgical procedures are designed to relieve the constant pressure on the dorsal root ganglia causing the chronic pain.
Herniated disc surgery that is required along the cervical spine is much more intricate and complex. This is primarily due to the fact that the spinal cord runs through a hole near the center of each vertebra called the foramen. Cervical herniated disc surgery may require a partial removal of the bone of the vertebrae itself. This is so that the majority of the disc structure itself can be removed safely without damaging the spinal cord. Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis and potentially death. A Hernia repair operation is a serious surgical procedure. After surgery you have to stay in bed for some weeks. Always consult your surgeon for the common complications and effects of the surgery.
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