A herniated disc can cause severe pain, numbness, and difficulty moving. When other treatments like physical therapy and medications do not help, herniated disc surgery may be the best option. If you are preparing for herniated disc treatment through surgery, understanding what happens before, during, and after can help you feel more at ease. Here is what patients undergoing herniated disc surgery can expect.
What Is Herniated Disc Surgery and When It Becomes Necessary?
A herniated disc happens when the soft part inside a spinal disc pushes out through a crack in the outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness.
Herniated disc surgery is done to remove or fix the damaged part of the disc, reducing pressure on the nerves. Doctors usually recommend surgery if:
- Pain does not improve with rest, medication, or physical therapy.
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling gets worse.
- Walking or standing becomes difficult.
- You lose control over your bladder or bowels (a serious condition that needs urgent surgery).
The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and help you move normally again.
Before the Surgery
Your doctor will take you through several steps to ensure you are ready for herniated disc surgery. These may include:
Medical Evaluation: You will have tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the exact location of the herniated disc.
Discussion of Surgery Type: Your surgeon will explain the type of procedure needed, whether it’s a microdiscectomy (removing a small part of the disc) or spinal fusion (joining two vertebrae).
Pre-Surgery Instructions: You may be advised to stop taking certain medications, avoid eating before surgery, and arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: If you smoke, you might need to quit as smoking can slow healing. You should also prepare your home with essentials within easy reach since bending and lifting will be restricted after surgery.
During the Surgery
On the day of your herniated disc surgery, here’s what will generally happen:
Anesthesia: You will be given anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Surgical Procedure: The surgeon will make a small incision in your back or neck, depending on where the herniated disc is located.
Disc Removal or Stabilization: The damaged part of the disc may be removed to relieve pressure on the nerve. If needed, spinal fusion may be done to stabilize the spine.
Closure and Recovery Room: After surgery, the incision is closed, and you will be moved to a recovery area to wake up from anesthesia.
The surgery usually takes 1-3 hours, and most people can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
After the Surgery
Recovering from herniated disc surgery takes time, but following your doctor’s instructions will help you heal faster.
Immediate Recovery: You may feel sore and tired for a few days. Pain medications will help manage discomfort.
Activity Restrictions: Bending, lifting, and twisting should be avoided for a few weeks. Walking is encouraged, but heavy activities are restricted.
Physical Therapy: Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups will monitor your healing process and ensure there are no complications.
Long-Term Healing: Most people feel better within a few weeks, but full recovery may take a few months, depending on the type of surgery and your overall health.
Final Thoughts
Herniated disc surgery can provide significant relief from pain and help restore mobility. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery can make the process less stressful.
Follow your doctor’s advice, take care of your body, and give yourself time to heal properly. With the right approach, you can return to daily activities and enjoy a pain-free life.
