A herniated disc, commonly referred to as a "slipped disc," occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness...
Everything You Need to Know About Herniated (Slipped) Disc Surgery
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What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, commonly referred to as a "slipped disc," occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness. The condition commonly affects the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine) and can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could indicate a herniated disc:
1. Persistent Back or Neck Pain Continuous pain in the lower back or neck is one of the most common symptoms.
2. Tingling or Numbness in Arms or Legs A herniated disc can press against nerve roots, causing a tingling sensation or numbness along the affected nerve.
3. Muscle Weakness Weakness in the muscles connected to the affected nerve can make daily activities difficult.
Causes of a Herniated Disc
Several factors can contribute to a herniated disc, including:
1. Age-related wear and tear (degeneration of the spine)
2. Sudden injuries or trauma to the spine
3. Repetitive motions that strain the spine
4. Improper lifting techniques
5. Obesity or being overweight, which adds stress to the spine
6. Genetics, which might make some individuals predisposed to disc issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
1. Diagnosis
To confirm a herniated disc, your doctor may recommend:
Physical examinationImaging tests like MRI or CT scans to visualize the spineNerve function tests to evaluate the impact on nerves
2. Conservative Treatments
Most herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatments such as:
Rest and activity modificationPhysical therapyPain relief medicationsSteroid injections to reduce inflammation
3. Surgical Intervention
When non-surgical options fail to alleviate symptoms or if nerve damage is severe, herniated disc surgery may be recommended. A specialized neurosurgeon like Dr. Dilip Kiyawat can help.
What Happens During Herniated Disc Surgery?
The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected nerves and restore mobility. Common surgical procedures include:
1. Discectomy or Microdiscectomy Removal of the herniated portion of the disc to alleviate nerve pressure.
2. Laminectomy Removal of a small portion of the vertebral bone (lamina) to create space and relieve nerve compression.
3. Spinal Fusion In cases of instability, two or more vertebrae may be fused to stabilize the spine.
Why Choose Dr. Dilip Kiyawat for Herniated Disc Surgery?
Dr. Dilip Kiyawat, a highly experienced M.Ch. (Neuro) Neurosurgeon, specializes in advanced treatments for herniated discs. Here's why he's trusted by patients:
Expertise in minimally invasive spine surgeriesIndividualized treatment plansPatient-centric care
With consultation available at two locations, Jehangir Hospital (Pune) and Sainath Hospital (Nashik), Dr. Kiyawat makes specialized neurosurgical care accessible.
Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life!
Don't let pain slow you down. If you're experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, consult an expert today. For appointments:
