What is the success rate of herniated disc surgery?

According to one study, the success rate for a herniated lumbar disc surgery was 78.9% among 39,048 patients. This same study reported a 94% long-term success rate for patients undergoing herniated cervical disc surgery.

Is herniated disc surgery worth it?

But disc surgery is faster and works better for bad pain, a large U.S. study finds. The study shows that patients with a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc -- what doctors call a herniated disc --won't get worse or become paralyzed if they don't have surgery. Instead, they can expect to get better over time.

How long does it take to fully recover from a herniated disc surgery?

It may take up to 8 weeks to get back to doing your usual activities. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your spine and trunk. You will need to learn how to lift, twist, and bend so you don't put too much strain on your back.

Can you become paralyzed from herniated disc surgery?

Herniated disc surgery can sometimes cause numbness or weakness in one or both legs. Paralysis is one of the rarest of all potential complications (1 in 10,000) of herniated disc surgery. While extremely rare, paralysis or nerve injuries can occur due to damage to the spinal column during the operation.

Can a herniated disc return after surgery?

Recurrence of a Disc Herniation

An additional disc herniation may occur directly after back surgery or many years later, although they are most common in the first three months after surgery. If the disc does herniate again, a revision microdiscectomy will generally be just as successful as the first operation.

Can you live a normal life with a herniated disc?

Living with a herniated disc

Your chances of getting better are good. Most people who have a herniated disc are better in about 4 weeks. Sometimes it takes longer. If you still have pain or numbness after 4 to 6 weeks, or if you feel worse, talk with your doctor.

Why you should avoid back surgery?

If things go south, some of the potential complications of back surgery can include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, deadly blood clots that can circulate to the heart or lungs, heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage.

Is herniated disc surgery risky?

What are the risks and side effects? There is a slight risk of damaging the spine or nerves. All surgery has some risks, including bleeding, infection, risks from anesthesia, and death. There is a chance that the surgery won't relieve your symptoms.

What happens if a herniated disc goes untreated?

Nerve Damage

When a herniated disc puts significant pressure on a nerve, it can lead to significant damage by cutting off nerve impulses. Compressed nerves can lead to significant conditions, including loss of sensation in lower extremities or even loss of bowel control.

Is back surgery worth the risk?

Back surgery can help relieve some causes of back pain, but it's rarely necessary. Most back pain resolves on its own within three months. Low back pain is one of the most common ailments seen by family doctors.

What is the best surgery for herniated disc?

Discectomy is the most common surgery used for herniated disc in the lumbar region. In this procedure, the portion of the disc that is causing the pressure on your nerve root is removed. In some cases, the entire disc is removed. The surgeon will access the disc through an incision in your back (or neck).

What can you not do after herniated disc surgery?

No bending, lifting, or twisting whatsoever should be attempted for two weeks after your discectomy surgery, because this can hinder your recovery and increase your risk of reherniation. While you're still healing, avoid lifting anything heavier than five pounds for two weeks after lumbar herniated disc surgery.

How long is hospital stay after discectomy?

Most lumbar microdiscectomy patients are able to go home from the hospital a few hours after the surgery. The traditional approach to recovering from lumbar microdiscectomy has been to limit bending, lifting, or twisting for a minimum of 6 weeks in order to prevent the disc from herniating again.

When should a herniated disc be operated on?

Herniated disk surgery is an option if you're otherwise healthy but: You feel so much pain that you can't get around or do your daily activities. You have numbness or weakness from the disk pressing on nerves. You can't control your bladder or bowels.

How often do herniated discs require surgery?

Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery. With time, the symptoms of sciatica/radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people. The time to improve varies, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Limit activities for 2 to 3 days.

Can a herniated disc last years?

The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.

What does a neurosurgeon do for herniated disc?

An incision is placed in the lower back over the area where the disc is herniated. Some bone from the back of the spine may be removed to gain access to the area where the disc is located. Typically, the herniated part of the disc and any extra loose pieces of disc are removed from the disc space.

What is worse bulging or herniated disc?

Herniated discs are considered more severe than bulging discs because they put significant pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause intense pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement.

What is worse a slipped disc or herniated disc?

Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks, although the whole disk does not rupture or slip. Only the small area of the crack is affected. Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots.

What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?

What can I do instead of back surgery?

Is there an age limit for back surgery?

Lumbar spine surgery in patients 85 years and older can be accomplished safely if careful attention is paid to preoperative selection. Prolonged operative times are associated with a higher risk of complications.

Is discectomy major surgery?

Discectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options. Consider getting a second opinion about all your treatment choices before having a discectomy.

Will herniated disc pain ever go away?

If the disc is lower in your back, it may irritate your sciatic nerve, which can cause pain that radiates through your buttock and down your leg. The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months.

Is a herniated disc considered a disability?

Is Herniated Disc a Permanent Disability? A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book.