Is Surgery Necessary for a Herniated Disc?
Surgery is not always necessary for a herniated disc and is typically considered a last resort after other treatments have been exhausted. In many cases, herniated discs can be managed effectively with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and pain management techniques. Most people with a herniated disc experience significant relief with these non-invasive options within a few weeks or months. Surgery is usually reserved for cases where the pain is severe and persistent, or if there are significant neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or loss of function in the affected limb. Surgery may also be considered if there is a risk of permanent nerve damage.
When surgery is deemed necessary, the two most common procedures are discectomy and laminectomy. A discectomy involves removing the herniated portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the affected nerve, while a laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebra to create more space for the nerve. In some cases, a spinal fusion may be performed to stabilize the spine after a disc is removed. While surgery can offer long-term relief, it is typically only recommended when the benefits outweigh the risks and when other treatment options have not been effective in reducing symptoms.
