What is Disc Surgery

What is Disc Surgery

Are you experiencing great pain in your back?  If so, you are probably aware of the fact that it has something to do with your vertebrae and the discs that you have in your back or at least a muscle strain.  In many cases, specialists suggest disc surgery as an option for people who have swollen discs as well as slipped and cracked discs.  This is a reasonably safe option and is a surgery performed quite regularly but is still a medium - high risk option.  Whilst you may not be uncomfortable with the idea of surgery itself, it can sometimes be confusing trying to figure out what exactly this surgery will entail and what it is.  This guide serves to help you understand the facts about what is disc surgery and explain what it is all about.

What is a Spinal Disc?

A spinal disc is a circular fragment of cartilage that protects the nerves in your spine from being damaged by an external threat. The vertebrae also play an integral role in this but the discs are what separate them and allow movement. They are like the body’s shock absorbers and help regulate impact taken by the spine. There are a number of conditions that can affect these discs. The most likely candidates are swelling, cracking and narrowing which will all cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. This could be a genetic condition or it could also come from pitting too much strain on the spine over a temporary or long-term period.

What does Spinal Surgery Entail?

Spinal surgery is used in extreme cases to try and modify or move the disc back into place. In many instances laser treatments are used in order to narrow bulging discs and relieve pain. The surgery can also slip a disc back into the desired place or help reinforce a cracked or broken disc. In some instances the surgery itself can bring a lot of pain to patients afterwards. The first priority of the surgeon is to ensure that the long-term health of the spine is maintained. Sometimes this will require initial pain after the surgery in order for the disc to be healed properly so that in the long term you do not experience pain again.

What is Disc Surgery In Short?

The question “what is disc surgery?” can have a range of complicated answers but simply put, is the invasive treatment of disc bulging, cracking or contracting. It is a surgery that generally yields fantastic results and can drastically improve your quality of life but is also left as a last resort after other treatments like physical rest and strain reduction. If you feel like it is an option for you try to get the specific details of your case from a specialist and discuss the merits of having disc surgery in your case. They will be able to look at your health and the state of your discs in such a way that they can provide the best advice and guidance. Each person is different and the severity of your condition will determine the need.