Microdecompression

A microdiscectomy is commonly used to treat pain resulting from compressed nerve roots – typically as a result of disc herniation or degenerative disc disease. The symptoms of these conditions can vary, however, common symptoms that indicate a microdiscectomy might help you find relief include: 

• Lower back pain that impacts your quality of life or ability to complete daily tasks 
• Numbness, tingling, burning or sharp pain that radiates into the legs
• Incontinence and/or leg weakness, which are serious symptoms that indicate you should seek immediate medical attention
• Pain that’s exacerbated by standing, sitting or walking 

For your microdiscectomy procedure, you will be lying face down, under general anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable. Your surgeon will create a one- to one-and-a-half-inch incision at the level of the damaged disc in the lumbar spine. They will use an operating microscope to get a clear view of your nerve root – in some cases, they may need to make a small opening in your lamina (through a laminotomy) or remove a small portion of the facet joint to access the nerve root. Small instruments are then used to remove the bony spurs or disc fragments that have been irritating your nerve roots so that they no longer cause pain. 

Microdecompressions typically take one to two hours and are performed as an outpatient procedure – you can return home shortly afterward.

What Is the Recovery Process After a Microdecompression?

You might wonder what to expect after a microdiscectomy. After your procedure, mild soreness and stiffness are to be expected – but this will improve as you recover. Your doctor will likely have some restrictions and requirements for you to follow to ensure an optimal recovery and prevent re-herniation after your microdiscectomy. Here are some things not to do after microdiscectomy: 

• Avoid driving or riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time. If long-distance drives are unavoidable, take frequent breaks to walk and stretch
• Don’t bend or twist your lower back 
• Rest, but not too much. Take frequent short walks to improve recovery and lower the risk of excessive scar tissue 
• Don’t lift, push or pull anything over five pounds 
• Steer clear of strenuous activities like jogging, cycling, weight lifting or aerobic exercise until you’re approved to participate by your healthcare provider 

Your doctor may prescribe a lumbar spine brace for support and medications to help with pain management. Follow all of their instructions and attend every follow-up and physical therapy appointment to ensure you’re making a healthy recovery. Let your healthcare provider know of any changes or issues you’re having throughout your recovery. 

Some questions that come up after your procedure include what gym exercises are okay after microdiscectomy, or how should you sleep after microdiscectomy? These are questions we can help you with here at Citrus Spine Institute to aid in recovery and prevent re-herniation.

• Avoid driving or riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time. If long-distance drives are unavoidable, take frequent breaks to walk and stretch
• Don’t bend or twist your lower back 
• Rest, but not too much. Take frequent short walks to improve recovery and lower the risk of excessive scar tissue 
• Don’t lift, push or pull anything over five pounds 
• Steer clear of strenuous activities like jogging, cycling, weight lifting or aerobic exercise until you’re approved to participate by your healthcare provider 

Your doctor may prescribe a lumbar spine brace for support and medications to help with pain management. Follow all of their instructions and attend every follow-up and physical therapy appointment to ensure you’re making a healthy recovery. Let your healthcare provider know of any changes or issues you’re having throughout your recovery. 

Some questions that come up after your procedure include what gym exercises are okay after microdiscectomy, or how should you sleep after microdiscectomy? These are questions we can help you with here at Citrus Spine Institute to aid in recovery and prevent re-herniation. 

As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks. General surgery risks include infection, excessive bleeding and poor reactions to anesthesia. Risks specific to microdecompression include postoperative bleeding, blood clots, pneumonia or nerve injury. While the chances are slim, there could also be long-term risks such as nerve pain, lack of pain relief or surgery failure that requires additional surgery.

Your back pain specialist should be able to walk you through all of the risks and the chances of complications based on your medical history and general health status.