Is There Minimally Invasive Cervical Disc Bulge Surgery

The prospect of getting surgery on your neck can be daunting; trusting a surgeon to operate on such an essential part of the body can be stressful, and the thought of a lengthy recovery period is a deterrent for many people. Fortunately, many common spine conditions, including a bulging disc, can be treated using minimally invasive spine surgery.

About Cervical Disc Bulges

A cervical disc bulge occurs when one of the intervertebral discs in the neck becomes misshapen. A misshapen disc has the potential to press against the spinal cord or the nerve roots, which can cause symptoms like pain, muscle weakness, and tingling.

Many people have a cervical disc bulge without even knowing it. Among those who do have symptoms, the problems the disc causes are often relatively mild and can be treated with conservative methods like physical therapy. A minority of cases cause severe or progressive symptoms, or don't respond to conservative treatments, and therefore need to be treated with surgery.

Options for Surgery

Traditionally, the only option for cervical disc bulge surgery was open spine surgery, an invasive but effective procedure. Features of this type of surgery include:

• Takes place in the hospital
• Requires use of general anesthesia
• Requires the surgeon to make a large incision and peel away skin, muscle, and connective tissue to access the spine
• Has a relatively long recovery period
• Requires a stay of several days in the hospital
• Has a relatively high risk of side effects

Fortunately, minimally invasive cervical disc bulge surgery is also available for patients who need it. Options for minimally invasive surgery include laser spine surgery, which makes use of a laser probe to dissolve the bulging portion of the disc instead of manually removing it. A radio frequency probe can also serve the same purpose.

Minimally invasive spine surgery has numerous advantages over open spine surgery. The procedure takes place in an outpatient clinic, and there is normally no need to stay in the hospital afterwards. There is no large incision, which reduces the risk of issues like scarring and infection. Because patients avoid a hospital stay and are able to return to their normal activities more quickly, the risk of certain side effects is also reduced.

Cervical disc bulge surgery is helpful for many patients. However, only a doctor can tell you what course of treatment is right for your spine condition. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.