Spinal surgery for herniated discs is a viable option for treating chronic back pain and other symptoms related to slipped or bulging discs. This type of procedure is designed to alleviate the pressure on nerves that can be caused by these conditions, which in turn helps reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
While spinal surgery may seem like a drastic measure, it can provide many benefits when compared with other treatment options, such as medications or physical therapy. In this article, we will discuss the reported benefits of spinal surgery for herniated discs.
Neck and Back Pain Relief
The primary benefit of spinal surgery for herniated discs is its ability to quickly relieve neck and back pain associated with the condition. When a nerve becomes compressed due to an intervertebral disc slipping out of place, it causes nerve irritation that results in pain along with weakness and numbness in certain areas of the body, depending on where exactly this occurs within your spine, whether it’s the cervical region (neck) or lumbar (lower back) region.
By surgically removing part or all of this protruding disc material from between two vertebrae, pressure on any affected nerves can be relieved immediately, leading directly to relief from pain and discomfort.
Sciatica Pain Relief
Lumbar disc herniation can cause sciatica, which is a painful condition that can be a result of spinal nerve compression, causing symptoms felt in the buttocks and lower extremities. In addition to pain, symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness, which are all a result of irritation of the sciatic nerve root in the spinal canal. Surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc can provide relief from sciatica symptoms. Surgery can provide immediate relief from sciatica pain.
Improved Function and Mobility
The pain and accompanying symptoms, such as arm or leg weakness, caused by a herniated disc can affect function and mobility. For patients who experience reduced function and mobility alone, and also those who experience loss of bladder control and sexual dysfunction, spinal surgery can help them return to normal. Surgery helps restore normal movement patterns within joints by removing any pieces that may be pressing against nearby structures. This improved range of motion allows patients who have been previously limited in their activities to engage in daily activities like they used to.
Greater Quality of Life
Patients who undergo spinal surgery for herniated discs often have an improved quality of life. Pain relief combined with improved mobility can restore their life to normal. They can once again focus on their work, family, enjoyable activities, and participate in life fully.
Surgery for Herniated Disc in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
Dr. Bradley AhlgrenofAhlgren Spine is a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon who is highly skilled in the treatment of herniated discs. Dr. Ahlgren performs anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for herniated discs in the neck, and microdiscectomy or laminectomy for herniated discs in the lumbar region. Dr. Ahlgrencan determine if you are the right candidate for spinal surgery.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call our office today at (248) 215-8080, or use our convenient online request form.
