If persistent sciatica, leg pain, numbness, or weakness from a herniated lumbar disc is interfering with your life, a lumbar discectomy may provide lasting relief. At Grossman Spine, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Seth Grossman uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to remove pressure and help you return to daily activities with less pain.
Eliminate Pressure on Pinched Spinal Nerves
Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged portion of a herniated disc in the lower back that is pressing on a nearby spinal nerve. By relieving nerve compression, the procedure can reduce sciatica, leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness while improving mobility. Depending on your condition, the surgery may be performed using minimally invasive techniques that minimize tissue disruption and support a smoother recovery.
What Does Lumbar Discectomy Treat?
Lumbar discectomy relieves symptoms caused by a herniated disc in the lower back. It is recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief and nerve compression continues to affect your mobility.
The procedure may help treat conditions and symptoms such as:
- Herniated lumbar discs
- Sciatica
- Radiating leg pain
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Muscle weakness caused by nerve compression
- Persistent lower back pain associated with a herniated disc
- Reduced mobility due to nerve irritation
What Happens During Lumbar Discectomy?
Lumbar discectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you remain asleep throughout the procedure. After making a small incision in your lower back, Dr. Grossman moves the surrounding muscles aside to access the affected spinal level. Using specialized surgical instruments, he identifies the compressed nerve and removes only the portion of the herniated disc causing pressure while preserving as much healthy disc tissue as possible.
Dr. Grossman works with precision to protect nearby nerves and minimize any disruption to the surrounding tissues. Once the pressure on the spinal nerve is relieved, the surgical site is thoroughly inspected, and the incision is closed. You are moved to a recovery area, where your care team monitors your condition before providing detailed instructions to support a safe and comfortable recovery.
Benefits of Lumbar Discectomy:
- Relieves pressure on compressed spinal nerves
- Reduces sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Improves numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness caused by nerve compression
- Restores mobility and everyday function
- Helps you return to normal activities with greater comfort
- Preserves as much of the healthy disc as possible
- Targets the source of nerve-related symptoms
- May provide lasting relief when conservative treatments are no longer effective
- Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate
FAQs
How Long Is the Recovery After Lumbar Discectomy?
Recovery varies from person to person, but many patients begin walking shortly after surgery and return to light daily activities within a few weeks. More physically demanding activities, heavy lifting, and sports typically require additional healing time. Following your post-operative instructions is essential for a safe recovery and the best possible outcome.
What is Microdiscectomy?
A microdiscectomy is a specialized type of lumbar discectomy that removes the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. Like a traditional lumbar discectomy, it is performed to relieve sciatica, leg pain, and other symptoms. The key difference is that a microdiscectomy uses a smaller incision and microsurgical techniques, allowing for a less invasive approach while achieving the same treatment goal.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and leading New Jersey spine specialist known for his expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery. He carefully evaluates every patient, always exhausting all non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery and developing personalized plans. If chronic sciatica or a herniated lumbar disc is limiting your life, schedule your consultation with Grossman Spine to learn whether lumbar discectomy is the right solution for you.
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