Operation of a herniated disc of the lumbar spine | Disc herniation surgery

Operation of a herniated disc of the lumbar spine

A slipped disc in the lumbar spine is not uncommon. However, many patients can manage without an operation, especially since the symptoms of a herniated disc from a lumbago cannot always be directly distinguished from those of a lumbago and therefore should not be acted upon too hastily. In the course of an MRI examination for a herniated disc, it should be clarified whether a herniated disc is present and whether it is classified as dangerous.

Before the indication for surgery is given, conservative treatment should be applied. This includes movement and strength training, as well as occupational therapy, so that the patient can adjust to the situation and learn which movements are beneficial and which can even be harmful. An increased indication for surgery for a herniated disc in the lumbar spine exists if the patient has symptoms of paralysis, tingling sensations, strong and worsening symptoms and continence problems.

These are signs that the intervertebral disc is pinching the spinal cord or the emerging nerve root and that quick action must be taken to prevent the symptoms from worsening. In most cases, the operation is performed under general anesthesia from the back; i.e. the patient lies on his stomach. Then an access is prepared on the affected disc so that the surgeon can operate on the herniated disc.

Today, this access can be kept very small by microsurgical procedures. In many places, an endoscopic, i.e. minimally invasive variant is also offered. A tube is pushed up to the disc and the surgeon works on the disc with a camera and the smallest instruments. Due to the small size of the operations, most patients are able to resume their normal activities after a few days and can already go into rehab.

Operation of a herniated disc of the cervical spine

The operation of a herniated disc in the cervical spine should not be performed carelessly. Previously, conservative therapy consisting of pain therapy, physiotherapy with movement and strength training and also training of the affected person in dealing with the herniated disc (relief, incorrect movements, etc.) should be used.

Only after failure of this approach or if there are neurological failures and deterioration of the problem should be operated. There are two main procedures, both of which take place under general anesthesia. One is the surgical access from ventral (from the front over the neck).

An incision is made in the neck and the structures lying on the neck are prepared to the side in order to reach the herniated disc of the cervical spine from the front. On the other hand, it is also possible to perform the operation from dorsal (from the neck). In this case, an incision is also made and then worked up to the corresponding intervertebral disc.

Depending on the type and location of the herniated disc in the cervical spine, one of the two or a combination of the methods is used. In the operation the affected disc is removed and in the further course of the operation a disc prosthesis (artificial disc) or cage is inserted. A cage is a kind of cage that connects the two adjacent vertebrae. Ideally, patients are free of symptoms a few days after the operation. Furthermore, it is essential to think about rehab, so that the patient can prevent further problems through good training and education, and can also participate fully in life again.