Herniated disc back surgery is an operation that is usually done as a last resort when all else has failed. It has its dangers and complications like any other surgery, so most doctors are reluctant to suggest it as long as other options are available. One of the main reasons for this reluctance is that herniated disc back surgery has a lower success rate that many other surgeries. However, there are individuals who are in so much pain and their life has become so miserable because of their back pain problems, they are ready and willing to try anything that might bring even a small amount of relief.

Before we discuss herniated disc back surgery, let's talk a little about the spinal discs themselves. Spinal discs act as cushions to protect the bones of the spinal cord from experiencing too much wear and tear as they take on a large portion of the bodies excessive forces and pressures it is put under at times. There is a disc, or spinal cushion, separating each vertebrae in the spine, and you might look at these discs as our bodies shock absorbers.

Each one of our spinal disc has a durable outer covering and a soft jelly like center. The outer covering is called the annulus, while the inner substance is called the nucleus. At times we do something to our body that puts so much pressure on the annulus that it experiences a tear. Sometimes this may happen suddenly, but most of the time it is a slow deterioration over a number of years that finally leads to the tear.

When there is a tear in the annulus, in causes the inner nucleus pulposus to bulge out of the damaged area. Unfortunately, the spinal nerves are located behind the spinal column and when the nucleus bulges out of the vertebrae, it puts pressure on these nerves causing pain and possible weakness of the affected area of the body that nerve is connected to.

In most cases, your physician will advise at least six months of conservative treatment before considering surgery. In many instances the back will heal itself with this conservative treatment and the patient has avoided a serious major surgery. Before doing herniated disc back surgery, the doctor will more than likely try some of the following non surgical solutions.

1 – Medication – The main concern with almost all back patients is the pain involved. Some patients may just have a dull but irritating pain that can be helped with anti inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. Other patients may have very excruciating pain that prevents them from leading any kind of normal life. If all other medications and treatment fail, these patients may be prescribed a strong pain medication, usually of the opioid family.

2 – Heat Therapy – Sometimes a hot compress or a moist or dry heating pad may ease back pain enough to make it bearable. The heat can not only relieve pain, but decrease muscle spasms and relax tense muscles.

3 – Epidural Steroid Injection – Using this method, the doctor will inject a very powerful type of cortisone directly to the affected area around the spinal nerves. After this treatment many patients have pain reduction within 2-3 weeks and in some cases it is long lasting. The steroid injection used is a synthetically produced cortisone which is very similar in structure to the cortisone your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland when under stress.

4 – Alternative Treatments – Sometimes things that would be considered alternative medicine works for some individuals. These can include massage, acupuncture and chiropractic manipulations. Before using any of these options, they should be first discussed with your attending physician.

If none of the above treatments seem to be helping and the patient's condition is steadily worsening, the doctor may feel it is time to suggest some form of herniated disc back surgery. Of course whether or not this surgery is performed will be up to the patient, and the patient should be fully aware of the dangers and complications involved before making a decision.

There are a number of different types of back surgeries and the doctor will look at your individual case very carefully before deciding which type of surgery to perform. Below are two of the surgeries most commonly done and a short explanation of each.

1 – Foramenotomy – A foramenotomy is a procedure that removes part of the bone and tissue that appears to be compressing the nerve. It is hoped by doing this the pressure will be relieved and stop the pain. This operation is usually performed as a minimal invasive procedure in which only a small hole is cut in the vertebra and a anthroscope used to look at the foramen, so the problem tissue or bone can then be removed.

2 – Discectomy – A dicectomy is another procedure used to relieve pressure on the nerves. It is accomplished by removing the part of the nucleus pulposus between the vertebrae that is protruding into the nerves. It is hoped by removing the protruding tissue it will no longer touch the nerve, thus relieving the pain. There have recently been new developments to also make this a less invasive surgery.

There are other back surgeries than can be done but these are the most common herniated disc back surgery operations. As medical technology advances, back surgeries, like many other surgeries are being done more and more using less invasive techniques, giving the patient a safer operation and a much faster recovery time. If you are thinking of having back surgery, investigate all your options and wait until you are sure the more conservative measures are not helping.