Discectomy
Discectomy
While a severely herniated disc can hinder your ability to move and leave you in great pain, the procedure to remove a herniated disc, called a discectomy, is one of the most successful types of back surgery. Luckily, Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, is here to help you figure out if a discectomy is right for you. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online.
While a severely herniated disc can hinder your ability to move and leave you in great pain, the procedure to remove a herniated disc, called a discectomy, is one of the most successful types of back surgery. Luckily, Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, is here to help you figure out if a discectomy is right for you. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online.
Disectomy Q & A?
What is a discectomy?
A discectomy is a surgical procedure to correct or remove the damaged part of a herniated disc. While more conservative measures can often provide relief for those with herniated discs, severe cases typically require surgical intervention.
How does a discectomy work?
Discs serve as cushions between your vertebrae, but when a disc is badly damaged, it can bulge out, placing pressure on a nearby spinal nerve. This causes pain, weakness, tingling, and other similar symptoms.
During a discectomy, the portion of the disc that is pressing against your spinal nerve is removed. In some cases, there might need to remove the entire disc in order to relieve this pressure.
Who needs a discectomy?
Many people suffering from herniated discs do not need surgery for treatment. In fact, most people with herniated discs don?t even suffer from symptoms. However, Dr. Dennis might recommend a discectomy for your herniated disc for a few reasons:
Conservative treatments fail to work
Prior to surgery, Dr. Dennis will recommend physical therapy, steroid injections, and other pain relieving options to improve your symptoms. In some cases, these treatments might not provide the desired results.
Ambulatory problems
Excess pressure on the spinal nerves can lead to weakness and difficulty standing or walking.
Pain
Without effective treatment, pain from a herniated disc can become too great to manage.
What can I expect during a discectomy?
For many cases of herniated discs, microdiscectomy may offer the best choice. During a minimally invasive discectomy, a small incision is made over the offending disc and a camera can be inserted into the operating site through a small tube. Once the disc is located and confirmed, ?the offending disc material is removed using other small surgical tools inserted through the tubular opening.
If your entire disc requires removal, the space between your vertebrae may be replaced with bone from your pelvis or donor bone or artificial material. These bones are then fused and will be augmented oftentimes with metal hardware.
You will be under sedation for the entirety of the operation and you can generally expect to spend a few days at the hospital. You will be able to return to work within 4-6 weeks for most jobs, though you might need to spend longer recovering if you have a job that requires heavy lifting or if you received a spinal fusion.
Is a herniated disc preventing you from enjoying the activities you love? Call Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online.
Our Other Services
Back Pain
Back pain is the third most common reason people visit the doctor’s office, and it’s thought that nearly 80% of the world’s population will experience some form of back pain in their lives. Back pain is also one of the most common reasons for missed work, even though most cases of back pain are treatable or preventable. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis has decades of experience in diagnosing and treating back pain, mixing the latest state-of-the-art treatment options with tried-and-true knowledge. If you suffer from back pain, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Herniated Disc
While we often associate herniated discs with pain and immobility, the condition is quite common, and many people with a herniated disc exhibit no symptoms. When a herniated disc is particularly severe, however, you might need medical attention to relieve pain and restore function. Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California has decades of experience treating spinal issues and can provide the spinal care you need to get you back on your feet. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy, also known as decompression surgery, is a common procedure used to treat arthritis and other conditions that place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, such as stenosis. With many patients reporting a strong success rate even a decade after the procedure, a laminectomy can improve mobility and quality of life for years on end. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis can identify whether a laminectomy can resolve your spine health and provide the expert touch you need for long-lasting results. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Neck Pain
Neck pain comes in just after back pain as one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, with up to 70% of all adults expected to suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives. The prevalence of this pain also seems to be growing, making proper diagnosis and treatment all the more important. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis has extensive experiencing identifying the root cause of your neck pain and providing treatment that lasts. If you?re suffering from chronic neck pain, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Sciatica
It’s thought that up to 10% of back pain sufferers have sciatica, a condition caused when pressure or other conditions irritate the sciatic nerve. This pain can radiate along your hips and legs, disrupting your ability to move or even relax comfortably. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis offers fast, effective diagnosis and treatment for this common source of pain. If you think you suffer from sciatica, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book it online.
Spinal Fusion
As instances of back pain and spinal stenosis continue to grow in the United States, so too does the need for spinal surgery treatment. Thankfully, spinal fusion can be a safe and highly effective treatment for many types of back pain. If you’re interested in learning more about whether spinal fusion is right for you, don’t hesitate to call Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California or book an appointment online.
Spine Surgery
Traditional spine surgery has long been performed as an open surgery that often placed great stress on the body and required a lengthy recovery period. In more recent years, innovations in medical technology and techniques have allowed surgeons to perform safer, minimally invasive procedures to correct certain spinal problems. At the office of Steven C. Dennis, MD, in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Dennis takes full advantage of this new technology to provide patients with the highest care possible with a faster recovery. To learn more, call Dr. Dennis to schedule your consultation or book online.
Our Services
Neck Pain
Neck pain comes in just after back pain as one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, with up to 70% of all adults...
Back Pain
Back pain is the third most common reason people visit the doctor's office, and it's thought that nearly 80% of the world's population...
Herniated Disc
While a severely herniated disc can hinder While we often associate herniated discs with pain and immobility, the condition...
Sciatica
It's thought that up to 10% of back pain sufferers have sciatica, a condition caused when pressure or other conditions irritate...
Steven C. Dennis, MD
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