Herniated discs are common, with about 2% of Americans suffering one each year. Also known as bulging discs, the condition develops due to injury or overuse.
A herniated disc breaks open, allowing the inner material to leak out and press against your spinal cord. A disc herniation can develop in any part of your neck or back.
A severe or untreated herniated disc can lead to other complications, including radiculopathy and radiculitis. Pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness can spread from your back to your arms or legs, depending on where your herniated disc is located.
This deterioration can significantly impact your range of motion and your quality of life, but you don’t have to turn to traditional spine surgery for a long-term solution. Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to repair damaged discs and stop nerve pain.
Aron Rovner, MD, and our team at New York Spine and Sports Surgery are experts in spine surgery. We proudly bring the latest in surgical technology to our patients, and now is the time to learn about the advantages of endoscopic discectomy for treating spinal disc problems.
Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove a herniated disc and treat the damaged nerves and tissue around it. It’s highly effective, and some of the greatest benefits include:
Unlike many traditional spine surgeries, endoscopic discectomy requires only local anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area so you remain comfortable during the procedure, and it eliminates the potential complications of general anesthesia.
Endoscopic discectomy relies on a small camera and tiny, specialized tools to get the job done. Dr. Rovner uses the camera to view your spine, which eliminates the need to make a large incision to access your spine.
With the small tools, he navigates around your spine, even in cramped spaces. Smaller tools mean that he doesn’t need to cut muscle or remove surrounding bone to access the damaged disc.
Minimally invasive technology allows Dr. Rovner to reach and remove the damaged portions of your herniated disc through a tiny incision. A small incision means a lower risk of blood loss, lower risk of infection, and a smaller scar.
Endoscopic discectomy takes just 30 minutes, and you can go home shortly after the procedure is complete. Not only is there no hospital stay required, but you can expect a shorter recovery time and less pain than with traditional spinal surgery.
Endoscopic discectomy is an effective treatment for a herniated disc, but it’s not right for everyone. In general, Dr. Rovner recommends surgery only when conservative treatment isn’t making a difference.
If you’re diagnosed with a herniated disc, we often start with nonsurgical treatment like physical therapy. Many people find that conservative care is enough to improve their condition, but severe herniated discs may require surgery like endoscopic discectomy for lasting relief.
It could be time to consider endoscopic discectomy if you still have pain after trying physical therapy or if you have significant back, leg, or foot pain that originates from spinal nerves. In these cases, Dr. Rovner is proud to offer a minimally invasive surgical option to relieve pain and reduce other symptoms.
Endoscopic discectomy addresses the damage from herniated discs, while minimizing surgical complications. If you’re considering spine surgery for a severe herniated disc, it’s time to find out if endoscopic discectomy could be right for you.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rovner and our team at New York Spine and Sports Surgery. Call the office nearest you or send us a message online to learn more.
