Nerve decompression is the primary goal of herniated disc surgery. A herniated disc occurs when a tear in the tough outer layer of a spinal disc allows for the soft inner material to be pushed out into the spinal column. Herniated disc material can narrow nerve pathways in the spine, leading to compression of the spinal cord or a nerve root, which can interfere with normal functioning of nerves and lead to painful symptoms.

Nerve compression symptoms like pain and muscle weakness related to a herniated disc can often be treated with conservative options like pain medication, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, posture improvement and exercise. But surgery to access the spine and decompress nerves can become an option if other forms of treatment do not bring the relief needed for an acceptable quality of life. If you are considering surgery, it is important to learn about the full range of procedures available for nerve decompression, including the minimally invasive spine surgery performed at USA Spine Care.

Traditional open spine surgery

For nerve decompression to occur, herniated disc material needs to be removed from the spinal column. Several open spine procedures are available for patients needing a disc removed, including discectomies and spinal fusions. Traditional open spine surgeries are performed using a large incision, requiring disruption of muscles to reach the affected area. This type of procedure requires overnight hospitalization followed by a long, sometimes painful, recovery period.

Minimally invasive surgery

As a safer and effective alternative to traditional open neck or back procedures,^ minimally invasive spine surgery involves a smaller incision and muscle-sparing techniques. The nerve decompression procedures performed by USA Spine Care, the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, include:

• Discectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Laminotomy
• Minimally invasive stabilization

These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, leading to less risk of complication and a shorter recovery time than traditional open spine surgery.^{^}

For further details about our herniated disc and nerve decompression surgeries, contact USA Spine Care today. We’ll be happy to provide you with 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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