The pain and discomfort created by a damaged or misaligned lumbar disc can have a major impact on your daily life and activities. If you’ve been experiencing pain, numbness or immobility in your lower back, a lumbar microdiscectomy may be the key to finding relief.
What Is Lumbar Microdiscectomy?
Your lumbar spine is located from beneath your ribs down to the pelvis. This area is more prone to herniated discs than the thoracic region, located immediately above it. Discs can become herniated or misaligned for a number of reasons – they may become damaged and rupture due to trauma, a tumor or cyst can cause them to be pushed out of their natural position, or the vertebrae on either side could also be damaged, causing the bones to place unnatural wear and tear on the disc and resulting in a herniation. This commonly occurs with natural degenerative changes, or “wear and tear” as a person ages. A ruptured or injured lumbar disc can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your legs; difficulty walking; and, in some cases, even incontinence. This is due to a portion of the disc pressing against the adjacent spinal cord or nerve roots.
A lumbar microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove the portions of the disc that have been pushed outside of the normal boundaries. This surgery is carried out under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep for the entire process.
As a minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision near the affected disc. He or she will then use specialized microsurgery instruments, including a surgical microscope. This allows for less tissue trauma to the skin, surrounding muscle and even nerves and bone. The herniated portions of the disc will be carefully removed and your surgeon will ensure that no remaining disc is compressing your spinal cord or nerves. The incision will then be closed and you’ll be taken to recovery.
Recovery After Lumbar Discectomy
Once you’ve been moved to recovery, you will be observed while you wake up. Your pain medications will be adjusted to ensure that you maintain an acceptable comfort level. When you’re ready, you’ll be moved to a room for the remainder of your stay.
Most people who undergo lumbar discectomy are able to return home the same day or the following morning. You’ll be asked to walk and will be assessed thoroughly before release.
Once home, you’ll need to take it easy. Follow your doctor’s orders exactly when it comes to limiting your activities. In most cases, it’s recommended that you not lift anything weighing more than five pounds. You may notice that you tire easily, which means you should rest as needed to ensure that you heal properly. Eating a balanced diet will give your body the fuel it requires to mend the damaged tissues.
Many people are able to return to work in light-duty jobs after two or three weeks. If you work in a strenuous occupation, however, you may need to wait longer. Your doctor can give you a more concise timeline based on your particular needs.
Three to four weeks following your surgery, you’ll be asked to return for a follow-up visit with your surgeon. Your progress will be assessed, and x-rays or other imaging may be done to track your healing. At this time, you may be prescribed physical therapy to help increase strength and mobility in your lower back.
You can expect a full recovery in three or four months. Because lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery, there is less muscle and tissue healing that must take place.
Risks of Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Any surgical procedure carries risks. The same goes for lumbar microdiscectomy. These risks can be reduced by working with an experienced and competent neurosurgeon who has performed multiple microdiscectomies.
Some of the risks that can be associated with this procedure include:
- Bleeding at the surgical site
- Persistent pain that continues after surgery
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Spinal fluid leak
Is Lumbar Microdiscectomy Right for Me?
Ultimately, choosing whether or not to undergo a lumbar microdiscectomy is up to you and your surgeon. He or she can help you determine whether it is the right choice for your particular requirements. Some of the reasons you may consider having a microdiscectomy are:
- You have a partially ruptured disc that is not responding to exercise and rest.
- Pain medications and anti-inflammatories aren’t making a big enough impact on your symptoms.
- You’ve lost mobility due to the herniation.
- You lead an active lifestyle that would be negatively impacted by a more invasive surgery.