what are the chances I get another herniated disc

When considering any surgery, patients don't just want to be assured that the surgery is effective - they want to know whether the results will be permanent. In the case of surgery to treat herniated discs, there is only a low chance of repeated herniation after surgery; furthermore, the type of treatment does not affect the chances of another herniation occurring.

Herniated Disc Treatments

Herniated discs can cause problems including back pain, sciatica, muscle weakness, and numbness in the legs and arms. Furthermore, they can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from sudden injury to slow, natural aging. Depending on the severity and location, a person with a herniated disc may notice no symptoms at all, or may be so debilitated they can no longer work. Generally, only the more severe cases are treated with surgery.

There are several different approaches used to treat herniated discs:

• Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles of the back and core, reducing the pressure borne by the disc.
• Chiropractic care may also reduce the load carried, by keeping the back in proper alignment.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce pain.
• Steroid injections into the spine can alleviate symptoms.
• Laser back surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with very little downtime and immediate effects.
• Traditional open back surgery is very invasive but can be effective in treating herniated discs.

In almost all cases, these treatments will be attempted in order of least invasive (physical therapy) to most invasive (open back surgery). This is because no surgery, no matter how successful, is without risks, downtime, and potential side effects. In addition, non-surgical treatments are much more affordable.

While traditional surgery is an option, it is a major procedure and has a huge effect on the patient's day-to-day life. Almost all patients with a herniated disc can be treated with either non-surgical procedures or with laser back surgery. Laser back surgery has transformed most routine spinal surgeries from being major procedures requiring weeks to months of downtime, to a relatively minor procedure with a minimal effect on the patient's day-to-day life. It is just as effective as traditional spine surgery, but with a lower rate of side effects such as infection.

Repeat Herniation

A repeat herniation occurs when a disc which has had a herniation in the past develops a new herniation. While unusual, it can happen at the same rate regardless of whether a disc receives surgical or non-surgical treatment.

About 5% of all herniated discs will develop a repeat herniation. The mechanisms behind this phenomenon are not yet understood; studies have not yet revealed what causes some discs to herniate again.

Although there is no way to predict whether a new herniation will develop, there are steps you can take that are associated with an overall lower risk of herniation:

• Take care of your overall health - eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and refrain from smoking.
• Lift safely - improper lifting is a common cause of injury in the workplace.
• Do low-impact exercise - in particular, exercises such as Pilates and yoga strengthen the core, promoting a healthy back.
• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding post-surgery care - this will allow your body to heal fully.

While there is no way to absolutely prevent another herniated disc from occurring, there is only a very small chance of developing another herniation after laser disc surgery: 95% of patients find that their problem is permanently resolved. Furthermore, the rate of repeat herniation is the same whether or not surgery is performed. For these reasons and more, surgery is a strong option for patients whose herniated disc does not respond to more conservative treatment.

To learn more about treatment for your herniated disc or other back conditions, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 347-380-9138.