Bulging Disc Surgery

When Should I Consider Bulging Disc Surgery?

For the majority of patients who suffer from a bulging disc, surgery will not be necessary. Many times, bulging discs heal on their own with weeks or months of conservative treatment, along with the body‘s natural resorption process. If the portion of the disc that is extruding into the spinal canal and exerting pressure on surrounding nerves does not resorb with conservative treatment, you will likely still be able to manage your symptoms with analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gentle stretching, physical therapy, and periods of rest. However, if you are part of the small percentage of people who are unable to achieve lasting pain relief with these methods, your primary care physician or spine specialist may suggest that you consider surgery.

Questions to Ask My Doctor

When discussing the option of spine surgery with your doctor, don‘t be afraid to be inquisitive. Ask tough questions and make sure the answers you‘re getting are open and honest. Most importantly, never feel pressure to have any type of surgical procedure. Below are a few questions you can ask your doctor:

• Is this bulging disc surgery necessary?
• Will I need to be hospitalized? If so, for how long?
• What is involved in the surgery?
• How much experience do you have with this condition/procedure?
• What is the projected outcome of the surgery?
• What kind of post-operative care will I need?
• In your experience, how much time do patients need to return to full mobility?
• What are the main risks of the surgery?
• Would you recommend that I get a second opinion?

Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Bulging Disc Surgery

Many open back or neck surgeries require general anesthesia, hospitalization, and a lengthy rehabilitation. If you are seeking lasting relief from a bulging disc, but the risks of a highly invasive surgery are deterring you from getting help, consider contacting a Laser Spine Institute consultation facility. Our minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternatives to open back or neck surgery. With no lengthy recovery, no general anesthesia, and no fusions or hardware, you can see why our endoscopic techniques have garnered us a 93.8 percent patient satisfaction rate. Contact a Laser Spine Institute consultation facility today to find out more and to receive a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.