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EDISCSCULPTWhen about to undergo any surgery, patients tend to be filled with a wide range of questions and anxieties: Will the surgery work? Will there be side-effects? How long will the recovery be?
In the case of laser surgery to treat herniated discs, these worries are easily allayed; it is a remarkably effective and the impact on day-to-day life is minimal. However, one question still nags at the minds of many patients: Will the same problem occur later on? Rightfully so, patients want to be assured that surgery will be a permanent fix, and laser disc surgery almost always is.
Repeat herniation refers to the development of a new herniation on a disc that previously received treatment. It can occur on a previously injured disc regardless of whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. The discs occur between each vertebrae and surround the spinal cord. Herniation occurs when part of the disc becomes injured or worn down, and begin to press on the nerves. During most surgeries, only the fragment pressing on the nerve is removed, leaving the rest of the disc intact. This means that it is possible for any of the remaining disc to herniate in the future, in the same way that it is possible for herniation to occur in any other disc.
Repeat herniation is very unusual, occurring in only 5% of patients. The risk is the same for patients who receive surgery and for those who opt for more conservative treatment. However, in cases where it is necessary, surgery is the most effective option for treating a herniated disc.
Unfortunately, it is not yet clear what mechanisms are at work in patients who experience repeat herniations. For those few patients who do experience repeat herniation, treatment - both surgical and non-surgical - can be just as successful as for an initial herniation.
While the causes of repeat herniation are unclear, there are many lifestyle changes that can be made to minimize your risk of any herniation, depending on the initial cause of the condition. Your doctor will talk to you about your specific situation, but in general, the following factors are associated with a decreased overall risk of herniated discs:
In the case of laser surgery to treat herniated discs, these worries are easily allayed; it is a remarkably effective and the impact on day-to-day life is minimal. However, one question still nags at the minds of many patients: Will the same problem occur later on? Rightfully so, patients want to be assured that surgery will be a permanent fix, and laser disc surgery almost always is.
Repeat herniation refers to the development of a new herniation on a disc that previously received treatment. It can occur on a previously injured disc regardless of whether the treatment was surgical or non-surgical. The discs occur between each vertebrae and surround the spinal cord. Herniation occurs when part of the disc becomes injured or worn down, and begin to press on the nerves. During most surgeries, only the fragment pressing on the nerve is removed, leaving the rest of the disc intact. This means that it is possible for any of the remaining disc to herniate in the future, in the same way that it is possible for herniation to occur in any other disc.
Repeat herniation is very unusual, occurring in only 5% of patients. The risk is the same for patients who receive surgery and for those who opt for more conservative treatment. However, in cases where it is necessary, surgery is the most effective option for treating a herniated disc.
Unfortunately, it is not yet clear what mechanisms are at work in patients who experience repeat herniations. For those few patients who do experience repeat herniation, treatment - both surgical and non-surgical - can be just as successful as for an initial herniation.
While the causes of repeat herniation are unclear, there are many lifestyle changes that can be made to minimize your risk of any herniation, depending on the initial cause of the condition. Your doctor will talk to you about your specific situation, but in general, the following factors are associated with a decreased overall risk of herniated discs:
- An active lifestyle - While physical activity may be impossible prior to your surgery, regular exercise after you heal will help strengthen your back and prevent future injuries. Even if you are already physically active, exercises designed to strengthen your core can still improve your back health.
- A healthy weight - Excess weight puts strain on your body, especially the back. If you are overweight, losing as little as 10% of your body weight can reduce this strain.
- Not smoking - Smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen the disc receives, causing degeneration and preventing healing.
- Proper lifting - Often, a herniated disc is the result of a specific injury, such as from lifting improperly. If this is the case, it is important to learn and implement proper techniques in the future.
- Standing frequently - Sitting for long periods while driving or at a desk can be dangerous. Standing and stretching throughout the day promotes good spinal health.
Prior to surgery, your doctor will help you make a plan for achieving any lifestyle goals which may be beneficial to your long-term recovery.
While it is possible that a disc will herniate after being repaired, in 95% of patients the problem is permanently resolved. This risk is not related to the course of treatment, but rather to outside factors which are not yet clear. The prognosis for patients who undergo laser surgery for herniated discs is very good, and laser surgery is an excellent choice for patients looking for a permanent solution to their back problems.
If you're interested in laser spine surgery to treat your herniated disc or other back problems, please call Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.
info@dattaendoscopic.com