Restore Your Active Life With Lateral Discectomy in McKinney TX
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If you are suffering from disc herniation, also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, you may need a lateral discectomy in McKinney TX? This is a type of minimally invasive lateral discectomy that is reported to have a 95% success rate in removing pain due to disc herniation.
There are instances when spinal disorders do not show symptoms. People afflicted with this degenerative disease; therefore, they may not be aware they are suffering from this disease. It helps to have knowledge of the herniated disc and the minimally invasive spine surgery used to let you return to an active life.
A Brief on Herniated Discs
You may have heard of the spinal disorder called a slipped disc or ruptured disc. Its medical term is the herniated disc. The term originated from the movement of the nuclear tissue when it is pressed outside from the center of the disc.
Disc herniation of the lower back occurs when the tough outer covering (annulus fibrosus) of the disc that sits between bones in the spine breaks down or ruptures. When the annulus fibrosus ruptures, the gel-like tissue found in the center of the disk is forced out of the disc, affecting the radiating nerves and causing pain.
The disc’s center, called the nucleus, is soft and bouncy, and receives the shock from walking, running, standing, and other physical movement. This nucleus is enclosed in a harder, rubbery exterior called the annulus. It is the annulus that provides the structure and strength to the disc.
When the annulus breaks, it builds pressure against the spinal nerves, causing numbness, pain, or weakness in the neck, arms, or legs, depending on where the herniated disc is.
Causes of a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc can be the result of aging. As one gets older, the discs become less elastic and, therefore, vulnerable to rupturing or tearing even with the least twist or strain.
This spinal disorder can also be due to conditions and certain movements that can cause a ruptured disc, such as
- Nature of occupation that necessitates lifting of heavy objects
- Certain movements like turning and twisting while lifting a heavy object
- being overweight puts the discs at risk in supporting additional weight
- Genetics, which makes some people predisposed to the problem of a herniated disc
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Weak muscles
- Smoking has the effect of reducing the flow of oxygen to the discs, leading to its quick breakdown.
Signs You Have a Herniated Disc Problem
The occurrence of the herniated disc can be anywhere in your spine. Most often, it develops in the lower back (lumbar spine), slightly above your hips. The pain experienced may go from the back to the buttocks, the thighs, and down to your calves. Usually, pain is felt on one side of the body.
- Pain In The Legs or Arms. Pain experienced in the buttocks, thigh, and calf results when the herniated disc is located in the lower back. You may also feel the pain in your foot. A herniated disc occurring at the neck leads to pain felt in the shoulder and arm. People with herniated disc describe the pain as a burning or sharp sensation.
- Tingling or Numbness. People afflicted with a herniated disc may experience numbness and tingling sensation spreading in that part of the body affected by the nerves.
- Weakness. Muscles connected to the affected nerves become weak. Weak muscles can cause you to fall or trip while walking, or make you unable to hold or lift objects.
It is possible for some people to not to show any symptoms. Often, a herniated disc can only be detected through a spinal image.
Treatment of Herniated Discs
Where medication or physical therapy does not relieve you of your leg or back pain, or if you have indications of nerve damage, a lateral discectomy surgery in McKinney TX may be recommended by a specialist in spine disorders. This surgical treatment can be done in an open or minimally invasive technique.
Most herniated discs, approximately 7%, are found in the lower spine or are far lateral. The purpose of a lateral discectomy is to make stable the spinal joints, vertebral bones, and relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves.
In contrast to the open spine surgery, the far lateral discectomy technique in McKinney TX – a minimally invasive surgical approach – is safer, faster, and requires less recovery time. In this surgical approach, a small incision is made, offering long-term results. It reduces the risk of muscle damage due to dissection and preserves the integrity of the spinal joint.
With the reduced stress on the soft tissues and muscle, you gain the following benefits:
- Reduced blood loss from surgery
- Enhanced cosmetic outcome due to smaller incisions
- Lowered risk of muscle damage since this approach requires no cutting of muscles
- Lowered risk of infection and pain after the surgery
- Far lateral discectomy recovery time is faster and requires less rehabilitation
- Reduced reliance on pain relievers after the surgery
- This approach can be performed as an outpatient and uses localized anesthesia, reducing adverse reactions to it.
Any surgical procedure, minimal or otherwise, involves risks, such as:
- Possible negative reaction to anesthesia
- Unexpected loss of blood during the procedure+
- Localized infection
- Though rare in occurrence, there is the possibility of not completing the procedure and may require a second or full surgical procedure.
If you feel unbearable pain from your neck and upper back down to your arm and leg, or if you feel weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm and leg, it is time for you to consult a specialist on spinal disorders.
If your doctor recommends a lateral discectomy, you won’t go wrong and feel safe with Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas. This clinic is owned and managed by Dr. Scott Kutz, MD, and can be found in Plano TX. Should you want to know more of the lateral discectomy in McKinney TX, give us a call and make an appointment for a consultation.
