Suffering from lumbar pain doesn’t have to be an ongoing way of life. With the proper treatment, you can return to normal activities and eliminate daily pain.
Sometimes the best solution to relieve back pain is a minimally invasive spinal surgery called a lumbar microdiscectomy. Through this procedure, a surgeon alleviates pressure placed on the spinal column by surgically removing bone spurs, tissue, or a portion of a herniated disc.
What should you consider when a doctor recommends this surgery? Here are five things to know about lumbar microdiscectomy.
1. It’s Not As Daunting As It Sounds
The word “surgery” can make anyone anxious, especially when considering a procedure that involves your spine. However, when wondering “what is lumbar microdiscectomy,” patients benefit from a minimally invasive procedure compared to a significant surgical experience.
Microdiscectomy involves a small incision of a few centimeters up to about an inch. Using specialized tools, your surgeon targets the area where damaged tissue or a herniated disc puts pressure on your spine and causes pain. The surgeon moves muscles and healthy tissue out of the way (instead of cutting) to reach the affected area.
Patients don’t have to deal with long, deep incisions during recovery. This helps speed up your recovery time and minimize discomfort.
2. Recovering Takes Less Time
You won’t be “flat on your back” for long! In most cases, patients are up and walking within 24 hours. Depending on your surgeon’s instructions, showering can happen within a few days. Physical therapy often begins within two weeks of your surgery date.
Many patients can return to most regular activities and exercise within about twelve weeks—without pain!
3. It Does Require Sedation
Even though it’s a minimally invasive procedure, patients must be sedated with general anesthesia. However, most surgeries last less than a few hours and don’t require an overnight hospital stay.
Barring any complications, doctors and nurses make sure you are alert after a successful procedure. With post operative care for lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, you can begin your recovery at home. Following the instructions and attending post-operative appointments helps boost the success of your surgery.
4. It Works When Nonsurgical Treatments Don’t
If you’ve tried nonsurgical treatments that haven’t relieved your pain, lumbar microdiscectomy surgery often works when those treatments don’t succeed.
While surgery might not be your first choice, it’s often the last treatment patients need to relieve back pain and increase mobility.
5. Experience Lasting Success
Most patients report immediate relief from pain after surgery. With the right surgeons and by following aftercare and physical therapy instructions, many patients experience long-term success without back pain.
Choose the Best Surgeon for Lumbar Microdiscectomy
As with any surgical procedure, there are some lumbar microdiscectomy risks. However, the best spinal surgeons minimize risks and deliver pain-free success!
Howell Allen Clinic is a leader in spinal surgery and patient care. Don’t suffer from spinal pain any longer! Contact us for a consultation and recommendation to relieve your pain.
