Do All Herniated Disc Symptoms Require Surgery?

Meta description: Wondering whether all herniated disc symptoms require surgery? This article will explain...

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Herniated discs vary from case to case in terms of their severity and how they respond to treatment. In some cases, herniated discs do require surgery to relieve the symptoms. In other cases, it is possible to alleviate herniated disc symptoms through non-surgical means. It is best to use conservative methods before moving on to surgical treatment in the majority of cases.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

Herniated discs cause symptoms because they compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. Rather than merely causing symptoms in the area of the back they occur, herniated discs are more likely to affect the arms or legs, depending on the level of the herniation. In most cases, only one side is affected, but sometimes both sides are affected. Some of the symptoms that may occur include:

• Pain, which may shoot through the limb and get worse when lifting or bending
• Numbness or tingling in an extremity
• Muscle weakness in an extremity

Herniated discs in the lower back may affect the legs, lower back, or pelvis. Herniated discs in the upper back and neck may cause symptoms in the arms as well as the lower body. 

It is normal to experience mild back pain from time to time. You should see a doctor if you have pain that persists for longer than a few days, or if you have symptoms that are getting progressively worse over time. 

Symptoms like numbness and muscle weakness can be a sign of serious conditions in some cases, so it is important to visit a doctor if you have such symptoms. You should also see a doctor right away if you have chest pain, especially chest pain that suddenly radiates through the right arm. 

When Surgery is Considered

Surgery is not the first choice of treatment for herniated discs. In many cases, alleviating inflammation and improving spinal alignment can relieve herniated disc symptoms. Methods to accomplish this include physical therapy and medication. 

Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail, or when symptoms are severe or getting progressively worse. Fortunately, minimally invasive options are available for herniated disc surgery. Laser spine surgery is a cutting-edge treatment that allows patients to get relief from their spine pain without having to endure a hospital stay or a lengthy downtime.

Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about your herniated disc symptoms. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 347-380-9138.