By Mathew 
Disc surgery is a procedure that can treat multiple spinal conditions. Your specialist should assess disc issues causing your chronic pain or limited mobility, find a diagnosis, and select appropriate procedures, from microdiscectomy to invasive techniques. Surgical precision removes disc material compressing nerves and stabilizes damaged vertebrae. Here are some of the conditions treated with a disc operation:
Herniated Disc Relief
A herniated disc occurs when the inner core of your spinal disc bulges out through the tough outer shell, negatively impacting the surrounding nerves in your spinal canal. Herniated discs in your lower back could irritate your sciatic nerve roots, causing shooting leg pain known as sciatica. Herniated discs can occur due to age-related wear and tear, physically demanding occupations, or a sudden injury. Disc operation allows direct removal of the herniated parts to relieve spinal nerve tension. The surgery may also alleviate leg pain and restore mobility.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease involves the breakdown of your spinal discs over time. Those discs cushion your vertebrae, allowing spinal flexibility. As they deteriorate, discs lose height and structural integrity. This disc degeneration triggers bone-on-bone friction that leads to nerve compression. Neurosurgeons can assess your disc damage and determine if surgery is needed. If it is necessary, they can then remove or trim deteriorated discs to relieve pressure on your nerves. Treating degenerative disc disease can reduce chronic back pain.
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
As you age, the spinal canal may begin to narrow due to arthritis, trauma, or other factors. This condition, called spinal stenosis, compresses your spinal cord and the associated nerves. Symptoms depend on the location of the stenosis, with lumbar narrowing causing lower body pain and numbness. Cervical stenosis in your neck could affect your arms or legs. Doctors perform disc surgery to widen the spinal canal by removing the lamina bone. This relieves compression on the nerves affected by spinal stenosis. Addressing spinal stenosis surgically can restore lost strength and sensation.
Spondylolisthesis Surgical Options
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips out of alignment due to stress fractures in the pars interarticularis. Shifted vertebrae may pinch the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing debilitating nerve pain. Stabilizing displaced vertebrae is a way to relieve spondylolisthesis symptoms. During spondylolisthesis surgery, neurosurgeons may secure the misaligned vertebrae with rods, screws, and bone grafts to prevent any future nerve compression in that area.
Foraminal Stenosis Solutions
Foraminal stenosis involves the narrowing of the openings where nerve roots exit the spinal column. As discs degenerate and joints thicken, they might encroach on these passageways. This pinches the nerves passing through, causing discomfort, numbness, and weakness. Surgery to open up the foramina relieves that nerve pressure. Disc replacement acts as an artificial piece of the spine, taking over the functions of damaged discs.
Sciatica Surgery
Sciatica results from compressed sciatic nerve roots. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back and runs down each leg to the foot. Sciatica symptoms include buttock pain or aching, tingling, or burning sensations that can extend through the leg and into the foot. Sciatica is the hallmark symptom of a herniated lumbar disc or foraminal stenosis. Using disc operation, neurosurgeons can remove herniated disc fragments irritating the sciatic nerve roots. Opening constricted foramina gives your nerves more space, relieving shooting leg pain.
Schedule Disc Surgery Today
Consulting a spine surgeon can help identify treatment options for your spinal condition. Trained doctors perform procedures in surgical suites equipped with imaging, monitoring, and instrument technologies. Surgical teams utilize protocols focused on safety and optimal outcomes. These resources help them to develop surgical plans specific to your anatomy and diagnosis. Contact a spinal surgeon today to learn about conditions treated with disc surgery.
Do You Know: Inspiresprout