Is Microdiscectomy a Permanent Solution for Back Pain?
Back pain that persists can lead to daily frustration. There would be a point when walking, standing, and even sitting feels very painful. If a herniated disc causes the pain, many patients consider microdiscectomy.
However, is it a permanent solution for back pain? In this blog, we will discuss what microdiscectomy is, how it works, its benefits, and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
If your back pain resulted from a car crash, slip & fall, or other trauma-related incidents, Surgery Consultants of Florida can help you. We provide trusted and reliable microdiscectomy and other procedures for back pain.
What Is Microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to relieve nerve compression caused by a herniated disc in the lower back. It is designed to remove the part of the spinal disc that presses on the nerve.
Once that spinal disc part is removed, chronic back pain is reduced, providing nerve pain relief. When spinal decompression, sciatica surgery, and other spinal disc treatment options no longer work, doctors would suggest microdiscectomy.
Unlike traditional lumbar surgery, this back pain procedure uses smaller incisions, which can avoid further complications and help in making recovery quicker.
How Microdiscectomy Is Performed
Microdiscectomy is a spine surgery commonly performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. First, a small incision is made in the patient’s back. Muscles are moved aside to access the spine.
After that, a microscope or a small camera is inserted, which will guide surgeons in removing the damaged portion of the disc. Once done successfully, the nerve pressure will be relieved.
This lower back surgery has two standard methods: Endoscopic and tubular microdiscectomy. The first disc surgery method is the one that uses a small camera for better accuracy, while the latter uses a retractor to minimize muscle damage. Both of these microdiscectomy procedures aim for faster recovery and provide back pain relief at the same time.
Can Microdiscectomy Provide Permanent Back Pain Relief?
Microdiscectomy can provide lasting back pain relief. However, it isn’t always permanent. While many patients experience significant improvement after the surgery for back pain, others don’t.
Numerous studies show that the microdiscectomy success rates are high. However, several factors can decrease these rates, such as age, injury severity, and lifestyle. In some cases, patients develop other spinal health issues over time. Recurring disc herniation or degeneration is another example.
Yes, microdiscectomy can give you the back pain relief you’ve been looking for. However, you still need to strengthen your core muscles, adjust your lifestyle, and make other efforts to make the pain relief last.
Key Benefits of Microdiscectomy
The benefits of microdiscectomy can help you in many ways. Here are some of its advantages:
- Faster pain relief by removing pressure from the nerve
- Less painful compared to other surgeries, thanks to its minimally invasive nature
- Faster recovery after surgery; full recovery usually takes four to six weeks
- High success rate in providing lasting pain relief
- Improved mobility after the damaged disc portion is removed
- Lower risk of complications compared to open surgeries
If other treatments don’t provide you relief from herniated discs, then getting a microdiscectomy would be a great decision.
Before, During & After Microdiscectomy: What to Expect
Before you decide to get a microdiscectomy, you need to understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Knowing them will help you prepare your recovery space and make informed decisions for successful microdiscectomy recovery.
Before Surgery
- Surgeons will provide you with instructions regarding fasting and medications.
- Before the procedure, you will be given anesthesia.
- Typically, the surgery lasts for around an hour, depending on individual factors.
Immediately After Surgery
- Most patients are allowed to go home the same day or 24 hours after the surgery.
- To promote nature, your doctor will encourage you to walk or engage in light exercise.
- Sometimes, nerve pain and discomfort can occur after the operation.
Post-Surgery Care
- A back brace may be recommended as part of post-surgery care.
- Physical therapy is usually suggested to help strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting for at least six weeks.
Returning to Daily Activities
- Driving is allowed within one to two weeks, depending on your case.
- Desk jobs and other nonphysical jobs can resume in two to four weeks; physical jobs may take six to eight weeks.
Long-Term Recovery
- After microdiscectomy recovery, you may experience lasting back pain relief.
- Regular exercise and good posture will be part of your daily life from now on.
- You should continually strengthen your core muscles to maintain long-term spine health.
Since you already know what to expect from this procedure, you can now consult your doctor to see if you need it.
Surgery Consultants of Florida: Trusted Microdiscectomy
Auto accidents, slips & falls, and motorcycle incidents can lead to herniated discs that can cause severe lower back pain. At Surgery Consultants of Florida, we know how microdiscectomy can help in treating and managing herniated discs.
Our team of surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare professionals provides personalized medical solutions tailored to meet your specific medical needs. For the past 30 years, we have been helping victims of personal injuries recover.
Aside from microdiscectomy, we also conduct rhizotomy, laminectomy, lumbar spine interbody fusion, and other procedures to relieve lower back pain.Are you looking for trusted lower back pain surgeries? Call us today. Book your consultation so that our team can help you in achieving lasting pain relief.