A spinal disc is described as a pad or structure between the vertebral bodies which allows for flexibility and stability. A disc can collapse over time as a result of progressive degeneration or it can collapse suddenly due to a massive herniation, protrusion or extrusion. When this collapse occurs, it no longer acts as a stabilizer for the spine and can create a variety of problems based on the severity of the collapse, which may require surgery. It is crucial to consult your doctor to make an informed decision on whether surgical intervention is necessary and what options you have for pain relief. Read on to learn if a collapsed disc surgery is the right treatment method for you.

When you might need collapsed disc surgery

A collapsed disc can result in debilitating symptoms such as pain associated with bending, lifting and twisting or in severe cases, numbness, weakness and sciatica. These symptoms can often be managed or minimized through a regimen of conservative treatments, which may include taking pain medications, physical therapy, range of motion exercises, chiropractic manipulation and receiving epidural steroid injections. Although some combination of these treatments works for many people with a collapsed disc, you might find that your symptoms haven’t responded well to these approaches. In that case, collapsed disc surgery might be a good option for you.

What collapsed disc surgery entails

Collapsed disc surgery consists of removing a portion of the disc or the entire disc that is causing the symptoms and possibly restabilizing the spine afterward. Removing the bulging or leaked portion of the damaged disc can stop it from placing pressure on neighboring nerve roots, thereby alleviating symptoms. Spinal discs also keep the spine at its proper height, so if one is removed, the adjacent bones can either be fused together or separated by an artificial disc.

Types of collapsed disc surgeries available to you

Collapsed disc surgery can fall into two main categories — traditional open spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. Whereas open spine surgery can involve the cutting and tearing of muscles in order to get to the spine, the minimally invasive spine surgery performed at USA Spine Care utilizes a small incision and carefully separate muscle fibers during surgery.

Other advantages to our minimally invasive approach include:

• Our patients are often up and walking within hours of having surgery^
• Our approach has a shorter recovery time compared to open spine surgery^
• Our procedures result in less surgical blood loss and a reduced risk of infection
• Our surgeries are a safer and effective alternative compared to open spine surgery^
• Our surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis

USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain. If you are a candidate for our procedures, our board-certified surgeons+ are able to perform a minimally invasive decompression of the nerve for a mildly collapsed disc. In cases with severe collapse, it is possible to remove the disc and perform a minimally invasive stabilization in order to provide lasting relief.

Contact USA Spine Care today to learn more about the procedures we offer and schedule your no-cost MRI review* to determine if our procedures would be effective in getting your life back from a collapsed disc.