Back pain can be debilitating. It can distract you from your daily life and cause you to struggle with even the most routine tasks. Depending on the severity of your back pain, you could also experience numbness or tingling in your legs, neck, and even your feet. There are dozens of reasons you could be experiencing back pain, from poor posture to a herniated disc.
Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with back pain on your own. There are many available options for treating back pain, from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive surgery. Microdiscectomy, formerly known as microlumbar discectomy, is a minimally invasive surgery that is often performed on patients with a herniated disc. But what are the benefits of undergoing a microlumbar discectomy? NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help answer any questions that you may have about the procedure.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc can cause severe pain in your back, pinching your nerves and causing difficulty with sitting, walking, and bending. A few symptoms of a herniated disc may include:
- Leg pain
- Back pain
- Numbness and tingling in your lower extremities
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty with bowel and bladder control
To diagnose a herniated disc, your healthcare provider might perform a variety of tests, including an x-ray or MRI. They will also ask you about your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your daily habits in order to pinpoint the cause of your pain. If it’s determined that you do have a herniated disc, your spine surgeon will talk to you about treatment options.
There are a lot of treatment options for herniated discs, including pain relievers and lifestyle changes. Many people who are diagnosed with a herniated disc do not require surgical intervention. However, for those who are experiencing severe pain or nerve compression, surgery might be the best option. This is especially true if other treatment options have not helped.
What Are the Benefits of a Microlumbar Discectomy?
Your surgeon will talk about surgery options with you after you’ve attempted other treatments for a herniated disc or immediately, if your pain is severe enough. There are a few types of surgery that you may be a candidate for, including a microdiscectomy.
There are a number of benefits associated with microdiscectomy. Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, with only a small incision, your recovery time will be faster than with a traditional surgery. You should experience less pain with this procedure than with traditional surgery, along with less risk of infection. In general, with a microdiscectomy, you’ll be able to get back to your regular activities faster than with many other back surgeries.
The minimally invasive procedure allows you to have less potential for issues arising after surgery as well.
Contact NJ Spine & Orthopedic For More Information About Microlumbar Discectomy
Herniated discs and back pain can present obstacles to everyday life, making ordinary activities a challenge. If you are struggling with back pain or believe that you have a herniated disc, learning your options can be a big step forward in reclaiming your quality of life. Microlumbar discectomy, also known as microdiscectomy, offers a number of benefits to those with herniated discs, including shorter recovery time, less pain, and fewer risks than conventional surgery.
NJ Spine & Orthopedic offers the latest in research, technology, and treatments for pain management and minimally invasive surgery, including microdiscectomy. We combine the latest technologies with a compassionate, patient-centered approach to always deliver the best care. Contact NJ Spine & Orthopedic online or call us at (866) 553-0612 to learn more about how we can help resolve your back pain.