What Is Discectomy Surgery?
Discectomy surgery (also known as open discectomy, percutaneous discectomy, microdiscectomy, herniated disc surgery, or slipped disc surgery) relieves spinal pressure by removing herniated disc protrusions that press on the spinal cord. The most popular method involves cutting open the back and simply removing the bulge. With microdiscectomy, a surgeon uses a microscope to remove the herniated area. The microscope allows for smaller incisions, thus, resulting in a smaller scar and less tissue disruption. Surprisingly, the recovery period is fairly rapid considering the procedure’s location. Discectomy patients are encouraged to walk as soon as the general anesthesia wears off. Obviously, pain medication will be prescribed. In the first couple of weeks, walking should be the only exercise one does. After two weeks, pending a doctor’s approval, more complex exercises like swimming or bicycling may be tolerable. Discectomy patients are often able to resume work after 2 to 4 weeks, althoug
