DO YOU NEED SURGERY FOR A HERNIATED DISC?
A herniated disc can be a source of acute or chronic back or neck pain, but not all disc herniations require surgery. In Ventura, California, board-eligible neurosurgeon Dr. Katherine Wagner specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of herniated discs, using advanced technology to customize care plans.
Here is a breakdown of the causes and treatment options.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
Your spinal vertebrae are cushioned by protective discs featuring a sturdy outer shell and a soft, gel-like center. When pressure ruptures the outer shell, the inner material can be forced outward, pressing on spinal nerves.
While aging is a primary factor—causing discs to dry out and deteriorate—you may also be prone to herniation due to:
- Spine trauma
- Genetics
- Excessive or repetitive movements
When to Get Help
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation if symptoms impact your quality of life. Patients with herniated discs can experience:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness
- Intense back or neck pain
Note: If left untreated, a ruptured disc can sometimes cause serious problems. These include permanent weakness and even loss of bowel and bladder control. Dr. Wagner can accurately diagnose the issue to help prevent permanent damage.
Conservative Care & Surgical Options
Dr. Wagner always begins with conservative approaches, such as oral medications, physical therapy, and/or epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
Surgery is typically a last resort for debilitating pain, weakness, or other serious symptoms.
If required, the goal of minimally invasive spine surgery is to remove the disc material pressing on your nerves. Options include:
- Microdiscectomy: Removing small fragments of disc, bone, and ligament to free the nerve.
- Disc replacement surgery
- Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Approaching from the back to remove the disc and fuse two vertebrae into one solid bone.
- Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF): A fusion procedure similar to TLIF, but performed through the side (lateral) to bypass major back muscles.
Don't let back pain limit your life. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation with Dr. Wagner today. Call 805-643-2179.
