Disc surgery is never an ideal scenario. But sometimes your pain has grown to such an extent that you can no longer do anything about it. There are many types of surgery you can choose from.Together, you and your doctor have to make this decision as to what surgery is best for your long-term needs.
Spinal Fusion
The first type of disc surgery is spinal fusion. You’ll find that this is the most common type of surgery for back pain.This surgery is carried out through joining the spinal bones, known as vertebrae, together. This has the effect of restricting the motion of the bones in the spine. It also prevents the nerves from stretching.Spinal fusion limits pain through preventing the bones from grinding against each other and the nerves from moving. Restricted motion reduces inflammation and enables a better quality of life. For most people, fusion does not limit your physical capabilities.Bear in mind that there’s a risk of incomplete fusion, which can require additional surgery.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy is where a surgeon removes some of the bones, bone spurs, and ligaments in your back. This helps to reduce compression of spinal nerves. It can alleviate both pain and weakness.
The disadvantage of a laminectomy is that can reduce spinal stability. If there’s too much instability, a spinal fusion is usually required.
The disadvantage of a laminectomy is that can reduce spinal stability. If there’s too much instability, a spinal fusion is usually required.
Formainotomy
In this procedure, the surgeon will cut away the bone at the sides of the vertebrae to widen the area nerves have to exit through the spine. The enlarged space reduces nerve compression throughout the entire spine. Again, this can reduce the stability in the spine.Sometimes a patient may receive a formainotomy and spinal fusion at the same time.
Discectomy
When you have a slipped disc, the cushion separating the vertebrae can press on a nerve, which is why you feel back pain. A discectomy is a radical surgery because it involves the removal of an entire disc, or part of a disc.There are variations in this surgery. It can either be performed through a small incision or a large incision.
Artificial Disc Replacement
If you have a damaged spinal disc, you may have it replaced by an artificial alternative. This is where the surgeon will clear out the old disc and add a replica inside. The benefit of this surgery is that it allows you to retain full movement of the spine.
It’s a newer surgery that’s gaining in popularity for people who decide against spinal fusion. The reduced recovery time is making this a more attractive option.Patients should remember that when a surgeon inserts a foreign object into the body, there’s a small chance of the device failing.
Interlaminar Implant
An interlaminar implant is an alternative to spinal fusion. A U-shaped device is implanted into the back between two bones. This device provides stability, whilst maintaining the space in between the vertebrae. It prevents the bone from pressing down on the nerves.Like with all foreign objects, there’s a chance the device will fail. This will hence require further surgery.
The Goal of Surgery
The surgical options to fix the discs in your back are many and varied. Some are more invasive than others. Before you undergo surgery, it’s important to go in with the right expectations. You won’t feel as if you’re 21 again. But there will be noticeable pain relief.Furthermore, a doctor will recommend regular health checks to ensure the results of the surgery are holding. To find out more about the surgeries open to you, we recommend getting in touch with a health professional today. Back pain only gets worse the longer you put it off.
