A herniated disc is painful and can lead to difficulty in your daily life. Fortunately, it is a relatively easy problem to correct with a common surgery called an endoscopic discectomy.
At Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, our endoscopic discectomy surgeons have extensive experience with this procedure. We help patients every year recover from herniated discs and can help you get back to a pain-free life. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, here is how we can help you make a fast and low-risk recovery.
What Is an Endoscopic Discectomy?
An endoscopic discectomy is a procedure to stop back pain and relieve pressure on your spinal cord from a herniated disc. Surgeons make a small incision and then use endoscopic tools to remove a small piece of the herniated disc. Doing this takes some of the pressure off of your spine so that it is less painful. It can also help realign your spine slightly so that you experience less pain while moving.
Among spinal surgeries, an endoscopic discectomy is relatively quick and easy. Only light sedation or anesthesia to numb the area is needed, and the procedure does not take long. A skilled surgeon will likely finish within an hour or so. However, you will need to take a week or two off of work so that you can recover.
Advantages of an Endoscopic Discectomy
During this procedure, the surgeon can treat the affected area with great precision and accuracy while also minimizing tissue damage. The success rate of endoscopic discectomies is very high, making them preferable to traditional and other more invasive surgeries. Also, this type of surgery has a shorter recovery period due to minimal tissue trauma and less scarring, as only a small incision is required.
Additionally, since endoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive, they only require local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, which presents fewer risks for complications. All in all, endoscopic discectomy offers numerous benefits, such as high success rates and a lower risk of complications compared to other more invasive spinal procedures.
Risks and Complications of Endoscopic Discectomy
Though endoscopic discectomies are considered a safe and effective treatment for a herniated disc, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Endoscopic discectomy may cause nerve damage or bleeding, which can lead to further complications such as infection or paralysis of the lower extremities, although this is rare. In some cases, an endoscopic discectomy may fail to resolve all pain symptoms, requiring additional spinal surgery in the future.
Additionally, scar tissue formation inside the spine can cause problems with movement and flexibility of the affected area. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to undergoing endoscopic discectomy so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
Is an Endoscopic Discectomy the Right Treatment for You?
Although they are relatively common, an endoscopic discectomy is still a surgery. Only someone that can benefit from it should have the procedure done. That is why you need to have a full assessment to see if it is the right option for you. When you are assessed, there are several things that a doctor will look for, such as:
- Chronic back pain
- Herniated disc(s)
- Chronic neck pain
- Difficulty flexing the neck or spine
Unless you have a herniated disc, your doctor may want to try other treatment options before recommending an endoscopic discectomy. Physical therapy, chiropractic treatment methods, and medications are all common options for treating back and neck pain. However, if these methods do not work, then your physician may refer you to an orthopedic or spine surgeon.
In many cases, a herniated disc will need to be surgically treated to resolve pain and other problems. The care specialists at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery can meet with you in order to figure out if an endoscopic discectomy is the right treatment for you. Our skilled staff can answer any questions you may have about the surgery, along with any concerns you have about recovery.
You can also take our quick quiz to see if you may need treatment: click here to check our treatment check tool
Looking for an Endoscopic Discectomy Near Me? Contact Our OLSS Today!
After searching for an endoscopic discectomy near me, it is important to find a qualified surgeon to know if you are a candidate for the procedure. So the next step is to schedule a consultation with OLSS.
At Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery, you’ll be in good hands. We will pair you with a team of medical and care specialists that maintain the highest quality standards to make sure you’re getting the best care possible. Our team works with you from the consultation through the procedure and afterward to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Take the next step in getting the treatment that you need by contacting Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery today. You can reach out to us here at OLSS by calling (855) 853-6542 or by filling out our contact form to discuss your options for better sleep and spine health.