Lumbar Microdiscectomy

What is Lumbar Microdiscectomy?

When you herniate an intervertebral disc, you may have pain in your lower back (lumbar spine) and legs, among other symptoms of a “pinched” adjacent nerve root.

Spine surgery for lumbar disc herniation is performed using a microscope and microsurgical techniques. Thanks to its magnification and illumination, the surgical microscope facilitates limited dissections. We only remove that portion of the herniated disc that is pinching nerve roots. Any pressure placed by a herniated disc on nerve roots can cause symptoms such as debilitating leg pain and weakness or numbness in your feet and legs. You may also experience bowel or bladder incontinence. If your symptoms are due to a pinched nerve you may be a candidate for microdiscectomy.

What to Expect in Lumbar Microdiscectomy Recovery

You will receive a postsurgical recovery and exercise plan designed to help you return to normal living. Your hospital stay will depend on your treatment plan. Expect to be up and walking in the hospital on the same day after your surgery. Microdiscectomy is typically an outpatient procedure and patients typically go home the same day.

Please keep in mind that no two patients will have the same experience or results. Infection, blood loss and bowel or bladder problems are some of the potential complications of spine surgery. Ask your spine specialist about precautions, possible risks and other critical information regarding your procedure and recovery.

If you are one of the many people suffering from neck pain, chronic lower back pain, scoliosis, sciatica or another spine-related condition, you will be in great hands at Connecticut Back Center (CBC). CBC was founded by Jesse Eisler, MD, PhD, in 2005 and with offices in Vernon and Bloomfield, CT serves the Greater Hartford and Central Connecticut area. Our mission is to provide accurate, responsive and effective spinal care with comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatments for the full spectrum of spinal disorders. Our goal is always to reduce your pain, increase your flexibility and help you resume an active life after treatment. To learn more about your treatment options, give us a call at (860) 253-2714 or request an appointment online now.