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Microdiscectomy

Slipped disc and sciatica can cause pain that can greatly affect your quality of life. Fortunately, there are now minimally invasive procedures that can treat these conditions. The spine experts at Ozark Orthopaedics Spine Center can help you get back on your feet, with surgical procedures that get you back to you faster.

Slipped Disc and Sciatica

A slipped disc is a condition that occurs when the outer disc that cushions our vertebrae becomes weak or torn. As a result, the inner portion slips out. This can happen as a result of heavy lifting, aging, or obesity.

Sciatica, on the other hand, pertains to the pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down to each leg.

Both conditions cause pain, numbness, tingling sensation, and muscle weakness. When left untreated, they can worsen and may even lead to permanent nerve damage.

About Microdiscectomy

Also known as microdecompression, microdiscectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure for treating slipped disc and sciatica. This procedure involves removal of portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.

What To Expect

Before the Procedure
Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will conduct a thorough medical history. You will be advised to avoid taking medications that cause thinning of your blood such as Ibuprofen and aspirin. You may also be instructed not to eat or drink after midnight, the night before the surgery.

During the Procedure
You will be administered with general anesthesia. Once it has taken effect, your surgeon will create a small incision.

Using specialized lighting equipment and surgical tools, the surgeon will remove the disc fragment or bone that causes irritation, pressure, and pain on your nerve. The incision will then be closed with stitches.

The procedure takes about an hour to complete.

After the Procedure
Recovery times vary but generally, you will start to feel better about two weeks after their procedure.

You may be able to resume activities such as swimming and biking in a couple of weeks but you may be advised to take easy on more strenuous physical activities like weight lifting (your surgeon will give you specific instructions on your follow-up visits).

Are you ready to find relief for your back pain and improve your quality of life? You may call us at (479) 521-2752 to request an appointment or click the button below.