Lumbar Micro Discectomy Surgery

[AngeloR674]

Hi dr.larson how big was that piece u removed ? I have the exact same problem on my right side L5-s1 it measures 7 mm (piece of disk sticking out) ..surgery is coming soon

[carlclaflin]

i just had a Lumbar Micro Discectomy Surgery by Dr.Larson in October. I've been dealing with the pain for appx.2yrs. i felt a world of difference from the moment i was awake!  i was walking the same day and sleeping in my own bed the same night! GREAT WORK, GREAT MAN.

[kg2d1]

hi doc i have a question how meny time com u do a surery ad the same dosc?

[SuperZabian]

I wish I can back lumbar surgery im 15 and my lower back keeps hurting and it feels like the muscles are disconnected any advice

[dhide14]

How long does pain remain AFTER this surgery? WHen will I feel "normal" again?

[nadirenemills]

Dr: I had the same cirgury 6 weeks ago, and i still not 100% recovered special to be back to work, as i work in a car factory and the jobs are manually heavy. How long will take for me to be full recovered? I just want make sure , i 'm proporly heald before i start work again. Many thanks.

[cdaspine]

You could watch the microdisc video and the lumbar fusion video with cage, anterior or posterior to learn the difference of the two procecdures. Discectomy is generally less invasive, done by removing the offending disc. Fusion involves stabilizing the spine after removing the disc. If there is an "extrusion", discectomy may be quite helpful

[ChessGM1]

My MRI reads as:

Mild 2mm of grade 1 L5-S1 . L4-S1 disc desiccation and mild height loss. The L4-5 disc has a large central protrusion with left lateral recess. Disc extrusion measures 1.8 cm. L4-5 associated moderate to severe central canal stenosis. One dr advised a discectomy with a LLIF of L4-L5. Another dr. recommended only a discectomy. I am confused by the two different diagnosis. Can you please offer a bit of advice on what is the proper diagnosis? Thanks!

[MrSammir]

Dr. i need lumbar discogram with discectomy and rhizotomy surgery,I haven't choose my Dr.yet could you please tell where u at and it's a micro or regular surgery ,,,thanks

[cdaspine]

@MrSammir Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

[Redsmann]

Dr. What our your thoughts on the emg test? My doctor wants me to get one done before we work on my l4/5 l5 si herniation.

[cdaspine]

@Redsmann Depends on the clinical exam and MRI findings. We use EMG's selectively. See our video on comprehensive spine center

[COYOTE165A]

@cdaspine Iv'e been suffering for the last 12 yrs with L5 & S1 & plus in my neck as well I have herneiated disc, My chiropractor says I need his care instead of surgery, but it hasen't helped in all of these years I get pain in my tail bone & into my left leg & numbness right into my foot also & cannot walk sometimes at all, I am 69 yrs old, & considering to see a surgen here in Albany NY spine & bone hospital & see if I am a canadate for this procedure.? excuse my spelling

[COYOTE165A]

@COYOTE165A My MRI shows stynouses & Degenative disc as well

[shimokita2]

@cdaspine - When do patients typically start beginning exercises and physio / rehab after such a surgery?

Thank you.

[saqibsultan878]

Sir i need your Email to forward my MRI scans, and then give me some suggestions. i searched for your e-mail address on ur website but i didn't found it. 

[saqibsultan878]

Sir i need your Email to forward my MRI scans, and then give me some suggestions. i searched for your e-mail address on ur website but i didn't found it.

[saqibsultan878]

@cdaspine

Sir i have Central disc protrusion at L5/S1 compressing upon anterior spinal. it happens about 1year ago. i fell pain in my lower back and weakness in my both legs & in buttocks. i have did lot of medication, exercises, i do swimming for it. but still not curable. what r your views on my condition, will i go for a surgery.

i want to show u my MRI scans. but dont know how? please do suggest me some cure. Thanks

[cdaspine]

@saqibsultan878 We would need to first look at your MRI. Probably best for you to make contact via our office to respect your privacy, cdaspine

[Redsmann]

Do epidural shots help with a herniated l4/5 l5 si mild stenosis? And leg pain? Thanks

[cdaspine]

@Redsmann Epidural injections are very strong anti-inflammatory meds that often help with reducing leg pain. They do not address the stenosis.

[satchumo]

so it is possible then for the disc to herniate again on its own after surgery or only if under stress like lifting too much...

[cdaspine]

@satchumo approximately a 6% incidence (series vary). It usually occurs in the first 6 weeks post op, so follow instructions.

[Redsmann]

How about my question doc? I went to dr Patel today and I have to get another MRI on Monday!

[roxanel78]

Good morning Doctor Larson!

I ve seen you are kind to answer questions from the viewers so, I ' ve decided to ask also. In my case I have an L5-S1 herniation- it' s the 3rd one- in the same location. I ve seen my MRIs and my disc has decreased height in comparison to the rest of my discs. I am 32 y. o. and I decide to have the clean up surgery , does the neurosurgeon take any measures to prevent any future prolapses? Or , the incision will scar itself and that will be it? Besides strengthening

[cdaspine]

@roxanel78 Talk to your surgeon about ALIF. A nice way to preserve the disc height, prevent reherniation, and potentially eliminate back pain and the radicular pain. Watch the anterior lumbar fusion with cage and plate video on the cdaspine site.

Kind Regards

[Redsmann]

I have a question and I think you could answer it. I had an MRI Dona about 7 months ago and my l4 and l5 are herniated. I've tried everything physical therapy chriopractic and nothing has helped. My problem is my back hurts but my main problem is my legs! If I walk a couple steps my hamstring will get a Charlie horse and my muscles in my legs are spasin all the time. My conclusion is my discs are pushing on my nerves? Could you give me a little input? It was my right leg and now it has switched

[smeggerss]

I had this done but am still in pain 2 years later , can damage happen when this is done ?

[cdaspine]

@smeggerss To be fair, we would need to have an idea of what your MRI looked like before the procedure, your symptoms before the procedure, the procedure that was performed, your MRI after the procedure, and your symptoms now. There are so many variations. Sorry that there is not a straight forward answer.

CDA Spine

[cdaspine]

John,

Trigger point injections are not directed at the disc herniation. Epidural steroid injections (see video) are more geared to the disc. These are generally done under fluoroscopy for accuracy. Surgery results vary, and as you would imagine, depend on many factors. You may generally return to activity approximately 6 weeks after the procedure. If you would like more information you may contact our main office and we would help arrange a review. What is your sport?

[johnFlite1]

Hi, I have a herniated L5. Last year I had TPI injections and it worked great. I re injured it this past September. My doc sent me for another series (3) of injections at levels L3,4,5. My last injection was on 11/4/10. Unlike the injections I had last year the results this time around have been poor at best. I think this surgery may be the next step. I am a athlete and I'm worried about recovery time and will I be able to return to sports after this type of surgery?

[cdaspine]

Herb, sorry for the delay. In general, discectomy is done to remove a portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve and causing leg pain, numbness, or weakness. Fusion is done to stabilize or prevent movement of a painful segment in effort to prevent further problems at that level, and sometimes, to lessen back pain. This is where it gets tricky! If you would like an informal opinion you may forward a couple jpgs of the MRI image showing the disc herniation. Warm regards.

[HerbWalker]

I have L5 & S1 popped out bad. Pain left buttock & left leg. One Dr wants to do Spinal FUSION with the metal(I dont want to do that), the other Dr today said HE wants to do this procedure in the video. I dont want it at ALL, but I'd take THIS one here over metal PARTS! Whats your thoughts on this? Thanks

[cdaspine]

This is a gray area where some may do either, I prefer to do "fragmentectomy", removing the herniated fragment and then exploring the disc space for any obvious potential loose fragments

[melnorm]

Do you take out all the nucleus pulposus or just the amount that leaked out?