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EDISCSCULPTHerniated discs can be painful and debilitating, causing problems such as back pain, muscle weakness, and sciatica. Fortunately, they can be effectively treated using conservative methods or, if that fails, surgery. Whatever the method of treatment, there is some chance that the disc will herniate again in the future; however, that risk is quite low and not connected to the type of treatment used.
While most patients no longer have problems after receiving treatment, about 5% of all herniated disc patients will develop another herniation on the same disc later. This is thought to be due to as yet unidentified variables such as individual disc composition. While the cause of repeat herniations is currently unknown, there are steps patients can take to reduce their overall risk of herniated discs.
Surgical Treatment
Before surgery is recommended, physicians generally recommend non-surgical treatments such as chiropractry, physical therapy, and medication. If these do not relieve symptoms, herniated disc surgery may be considered as an option. Whatever treatment works for you, the chances of a repeat herniation are the same.
To understand why repeat herniations do not usually occur after surgery, it's important to understand how the surgical treatment works. There are two main surgical procedures used to treat herniated discs: open back surgery, and laser back surgery.
During open back surgery, the surgeon makes an incision several inches long and peels back skin, muscle, and connective tissue to access the spine. Then, a small amount of vertebral bone is removed to gain access to the affected disc. The herniation is carefully removed using tools, relieving symptoms.
When laser herniated disc surgery is performed, a tube about the size of a needle is inserted into the spine. Through this tube, the doctor can access the disc using endoscopic cameras and special tools. Then, a small portion of the herniated disc is dissolved using either a laser or a radiofrequency probe. This allows the disc to reabsorb the herniation, curing the problem.
Both types of surgery treat the herniated disc without causing any structural changes or damage that would make the patient more prone to future herniations. In fact, physicians are quite cautious to maintain the integrity of the spine and discs during herniated disc surgery. After the recovery process ends, the spine is as strong as ever.
Risk Factors
While there is no way to prevent a repeat herniation from occurring, there are some practices associated with a lower overall risk of herniation. If you have had back problems of any sort in the past, the following are good tips for self care:
While most patients no longer have problems after receiving treatment, about 5% of all herniated disc patients will develop another herniation on the same disc later. This is thought to be due to as yet unidentified variables such as individual disc composition. While the cause of repeat herniations is currently unknown, there are steps patients can take to reduce their overall risk of herniated discs.
Surgical Treatment
Before surgery is recommended, physicians generally recommend non-surgical treatments such as chiropractry, physical therapy, and medication. If these do not relieve symptoms, herniated disc surgery may be considered as an option. Whatever treatment works for you, the chances of a repeat herniation are the same.
To understand why repeat herniations do not usually occur after surgery, it's important to understand how the surgical treatment works. There are two main surgical procedures used to treat herniated discs: open back surgery, and laser back surgery.
During open back surgery, the surgeon makes an incision several inches long and peels back skin, muscle, and connective tissue to access the spine. Then, a small amount of vertebral bone is removed to gain access to the affected disc. The herniation is carefully removed using tools, relieving symptoms.
When laser herniated disc surgery is performed, a tube about the size of a needle is inserted into the spine. Through this tube, the doctor can access the disc using endoscopic cameras and special tools. Then, a small portion of the herniated disc is dissolved using either a laser or a radiofrequency probe. This allows the disc to reabsorb the herniation, curing the problem.
Both types of surgery treat the herniated disc without causing any structural changes or damage that would make the patient more prone to future herniations. In fact, physicians are quite cautious to maintain the integrity of the spine and discs during herniated disc surgery. After the recovery process ends, the spine is as strong as ever.
Risk Factors
While there is no way to prevent a repeat herniation from occurring, there are some practices associated with a lower overall risk of herniation. If you have had back problems of any sort in the past, the following are good tips for self care:
- Lift properly - improper lifting is one of the most common causes of back injury, including herniated discs
- Stop smoking - smoking reduces the fluid content in the discs, making them more prone to tears
- Practice good posture - while bad posture cannot cause a herniated disc, it can exacerbate symptoms
- Lose weight - obesity requires the discs to bear extra weight
- Strengthen your core - low-impact exercises such as yoga, Pilates, and swimming can strengthen the muscles that support your back
These habits are especially important as you age, since aging causes the discs to naturally lose fluid and elasticity. In fact, aging itself is a common cause of herniated discs.
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that you will not get a repeat herniation after herniated disc surgery. However, 95% of patients find that their issues are resolved permanently, and do not develop another herniated disc. While the exact cause of repeat herniation is not yet known, patients can use good back care habits to help reduce the overall risk of herniation.
To talk to a leading expert about treatment for your herniated disc, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.
info@dattaendoscopic.com