What is microdisc surgery?

A microdiscectomy procedure uses minimally invasive techniques to provide relief from pain caused by a lumbar herniated disc. Watch: Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery Video. During the procedure, a small part of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material under the nerve root is taken out.

How long does it take to recover from a microdiscectomy surgery?

Recovery starts with you To get moving as quickly as possible, start with self-care. Focus on rest, medication, and sleep. From there, exercise and physical therapy can improve recovery. The timeframe for a full recovery from microdiscectomy is about 12 weeks.

What is the success rate of Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy Success Rates The success rate for microdiscectomy spine surgery is generally high, with one extensive medical study showing good or excellent results overall for 84% of people who have the procedure.

How long is recovery from discectomy?

The overall lumbar discectomy recovery time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks, but you may be feeling back to normal well before that time. Be sure to work closely with your doctor to understand how your specific lumbar discectomy recovery time should progress.

Can a herniated disc cause permanent nerve damage?

A severe case of a bulging disc can cut off nerve impulses, even causing permanent nerve damage. Additionally, you may experience sharp paints, incontinence, bowel movement irregularity, or even partial paralysis as the issue worsens.

Is herniated disc surgery worth it?

Doctors usually consider surgery to remove the offending disc — a discectomy — if the pain continues for six weeks. But some patients who’ve had the surgery say it wasn’t worth it. And sometimes the pain of a herniated disc later gets better without surgery.

How painful is a Microdiscectomy?

During the initial 2 weeks after a microdiscectomy surgery, the pain is most intense. Stronger painkillers, such as opioids, are typically used in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Most patients are gradually weaned off opioids over a period of 1 to 2 weeks.

Is discectomy surgery painful?

How painful is a lumbar discectomy? A lumbar discectomy is completely painless as it is done under anesthesia. The patient will feel nothing except the pinprick of the injection needle. Post-surgery, there is likely to be some amount of stiffness and pain that can be relieved with painkillers.

How long does discectomy surgery take?

The surgery is done under a general anaesthetic and takes about 60 minutes. An x-ray is used to identify the correct area of the lower back, and a small opening is made. The muscle is separated off the spine, and a small amount of bone and the ligament covering the nerves is removed.