When is surgery necessary for a herniated disc?
September 5, 2023 | 75,00 EUR | answered by Jürgen Dietrich
Dear medical team,
My name is Yvonne Weber and I have been experiencing severe lower back pain radiating down to my leg for some time now. My primary care physician referred me for an MRI, where a herniated disc was diagnosed. I have already tried conservative treatments such as physiotherapy and pain medication, but the pain doesn't seem to be getting any better.
My quality of life is greatly affected by the pain, and I am worried that conservative treatments may not be sufficient to address the herniated disc. I am wondering if surgery may be necessary in my case, and if so, when would be the right time for surgery?
I have heard that surgeries for herniated discs can carry risks, and I want to make sure that I thoroughly consider all my options before making a decision. What is the success rate of surgeries for herniated discs, and what risks are associated with such a procedure? Are there alternative treatment methods that I should consider before opting for surgery?
Thank you in advance for your help and guidance.
Best regards,
Yvonne Weber
Dear Yvonne Weber,
thank you for providing a detailed description of your situation regarding the herniated disc and your previous therapy measures. It is understandable that the persistent pain is greatly affecting your quality of life and causing you to worry about whether surgery is necessary.
First and foremost, I would like to point out that the decision for or against surgery for a herniated disc depends on various factors. In your case, where conservative therapies do not seem to be sufficient, surgery could be an option. The right timing for surgery depends on the severity of symptoms, the extent of disc damage, and your overall health condition. In some cases, surgery may be necessary as soon as possible to prevent complications, while in other cases a wait-and-see approach may be appropriate.
The success rate of surgery for herniated discs is generally high, especially when the surgery is performed correctly. Most patients report significant pain relief and improvement in their quality of life after a disc surgery. However, the risks of surgery, such as infections, bleeding, nerve damage, or recurrent disc protrusion, should also be considered.
Before deciding on surgery, you should also consider alternative treatment methods. These may include injections of painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, osteopathy, or specialized back exercises. An experienced orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon can help you find the treatment that is right for you.
It is important that you discuss all your questions and concerns with your treating doctor in order to make the best decision for your health together. I hope that my information is helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions.
Best regards,
Jürgen Dietrich, Surgeon
