Lumbar Discectomy
Lumbar discectomy is a surgery that removes part of a damaged disc in the lower back to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve.
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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 Lumbar Discectomy?
A lumbar discectomy is a surgical treatment for a damaged disc in the lower back. It removes the part of the disc that is pressing on a nearby nerve.
This treatment is most often used when a herniated disc causes ongoing leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. It may help people whose symptoms have not improved with rest, physical therapy, medicine or other nonsurgical care.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provides coordinated care for people with spine conditions, from diagnosis through recovery. Your care team may include spine surgeons, pain specialists, imaging experts, rehabilitation professionals and other specialists who work together to build a treatment plan around your symptoms, goals and overall health.
When surgery is appropriate, the focus is on using the least invasive approach that can safely relieve pressure on the nerve and support recovery. Patients also have access to follow-up care, rehabilitation and guidance on next steps after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A lumbar discectomy treats nerve symptoms caused by a damaged disc in the lower back. It is most often used when disc material presses on a nerve and causes leg pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.
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It can be one treatment option when sciatica is caused by a lower back disc pressing on a nerve. Sciatica is a symptom pattern, while lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure.
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It may be considered when symptoms from a herniated disc do not improve with nonsurgical care, are getting worse, or are affecting strength, walking or daily life. Candidacy should always be confirmed by a physician.
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Not always. The main goal is usually to relieve pain, numbness or weakness caused by pressure on a nerve. Some back pain may improve, but results vary depending on the cause of symptoms.
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Recovery time varies. Some people resume light activities fairly quickly, while others need more time before returning to work, exercise or heavy lifting. Your physician will guide you based on your surgery and overall health.
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Yes. Possible risks include infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related complications, injury to nearby tissue, continued symptoms or a recurrent disc herniation. Your care team will explain the risks that apply to your situation.
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Yes. Depending on your symptoms, alternatives may include medicine, physical therapy, activity changes, injections or other spine treatments. In some cases, other procedures may be considered based on the condition affecting the spine.
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Follow-up usually includes a postsurgery visit, guidance on safe activity and monitoring of symptoms as healing progresses. Some patients may also benefit from rehabilitation or physical therapy.
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Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand brain and spine disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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