Herniated discs can cause excruciating pain and discomfort, often affecting one’s quality of life. While many cases of herniated discs can be managed with conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary in some situations. In this article, we’ll explore when herniated disc surgery is necessary and what you can expect from the procedure.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its tough outer shell, putting pressure precio operacion hernia discal on the nearby nerves. Symptoms can range from localized pain to radiating pain, weakness, and numbness in the extremities. If conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered.
The decision to undergo herniated disc surgery is typically made when:
- Severe Symptoms Persist: If pain, weakness, or numbness continues despite conservative treatments, surgery may be the best option to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
- Neurological Symptoms Worsen: If you experience progressive neurological symptoms, such as difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or muscle atrophy, surgery becomes a more urgent consideration.
- Conservative Treatments Fail: When medications, physical therapy, and epidural injections provide no relief, surgery might be the next logical step.
There are several surgical approaches to treating herniated discs, including discectomy, microdiscectomy, and laminectomy. The type of surgery will depend on the location and severity of the herniation.