Discectomy
Discectomy is a spine surgery that removes part of a damaged disc that is pressing on a nerve to help relieve pain, numbness or weakness.
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Spine Surgery
We have decades of experience caring for patients with back and spine conditions, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is a Discectomy?
A discectomy is a surgical treatment used to remove the part of a spinal disc that is pressing on a nearby nerve. Discs are the soft cushions between the bones of the spine. When a disc bulges, tears or moves out of place, it can irritate a nerve and cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness.
Discectomy may be considered for some people with a herniated disc when symptoms do not improve with other treatments, or when nerve-related symptoms are getting worse. The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve and help improve movement and comfort.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provides coordinated care for people with spinal conditions that affect daily life. For patients being evaluated for discectomy, care may include imaging, a physical exam, review of symptoms and discussion of both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
Baptist Health brings together physicians focused on spine conditions, nerve-related symptoms and rehabilitation. When surgery is appropriate, the care team works to explain the procedure clearly, outline the next steps, and support patients before and after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Discectomy is a spine surgery, but the complexity can vary from person to person. In some cases, it may be performed with a minimally invasive approach. Your physician will explain the surgical plan, expected recovery and whether the procedure is right for your condition.
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A discectomy may be recommended when part of a spinal disc is pressing on a nerve and causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. It is often considered when nonsurgical treatments have not provided enough relief or symptoms are worsening.
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Discectomy is typically used to relieve nerve compression symptoms. These may include radiating arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness related to a damaged or herniated disc. The exact symptoms it may help depend on which nerve is affected.
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Recovery is different for every patient. Some people return to light activities relatively quickly, while others need more time before resuming work, exercise or lifting. Recovery depends on the surgical approach, the area treated and your overall health.
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Some patients do. Physical therapy or a guided rehabilitation plan may help improve mobility, strength, posture and confidence with movement after surgery. Whether therapy is recommended depends on your symptoms, recovery progress and physician guidance.
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Yes. Possible risks can include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, spinal fluid leak, anesthesia-related complications or persistent symptoms. There is also a chance that disc problems may recur. Your physician can review the risks in the context of your overall health and spine condition.
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Yes. Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives may include medication, physical therapy, activity changes, injections or watchful waiting. The best option depends on how severe the symptoms are, how long they have lasted and whether there is nerve compression.
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Candidacy depends on your symptoms, physical exam, imaging results, response to conservative treatment and overall health. A physician will determine whether discectomy is appropriate and whether another treatment may better fit your needs.
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