Disc extrusion surgery isn’t always required by patients with this condition. In many cases, the body will reabsorb material from the damaged discs and symptoms will improve over a course of weeks or months. For that reason, doctors will often recommend that patients who are experiencing the nerve compression and other problems that accompany a disc extrusion to follow a course of conservative treatments. Such an approach can make the symptoms of the condition more bearable while the body adapts and heals itself. Symptoms that go on for more than a few months or are unable to be managed by conservative approaches to treatment — such as medication, rest, heat or ice treatment and making lifestyle changes — may require disc extrusion surgery.

USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and we have helped more than 75,000 patients find relief since 2005. As you research treatment options for your condition, feel free to contact our caring and dedicated team at any time if you have any questions about knowing when it’s time to consider spine surgery.

When to consider surgery for an extruded disc

Disc extrusion surgery is typically advised for patients who are experiencing any of the following issues:

• Any loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome, or the compression of the bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spine. This condition potentially requires emergency surgery because it can lead to permanent paralysis and other complications.
• Problems with carrying on daily activities. If symptoms make it difficult to work, get dressed or go shopping and are no longer responding to conservative treatments, surgery may start to become a serious consideration.
• Difficulty walking. Issues with maintaining balance, tripping over the feet or numbness in the legs can point to more severe underlying issues such as sciatica in the lumbar spine or compression of the spinal cord in the neck.

Reach out to USA Spine Care

Disc extrusion surgery approaches vary based on the location of the affected disc, the type of symptoms produced by the torn disc and the severity of the condition. The most commonly recommended types of surgical procedures can be divided into two groups — traditional open spine surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Traditional spine surgery is performed in a hospital setting, involves making a large incision on the neck or back to access the spine and requires lengthy recovery times. In contrast, minimally invasive spine surgery at USA Spine Care is performed on an outpatient basis, involves a less than 1-inch incision and requires a shorter recovery time.^

If you have exhausted conservative treatment options and are considering disc extrusion surgery, reach out to us today. We can provide a no-cost MRI or CT scan review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.

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