Back pain and radiating leg pain are among the most common problems I see in my practice. One major cause is a slipped disc, also called a disc prolapse. When conservative treatment fails, a procedure called discectomy can provide significant and lasting relief.
What is a Slipped Disc?
The spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft cushioning discs. These discs absorb shock and allow movement. Sometimes, due to strain, injury, or age-related wear, the inner portion of the disc bulges out and compresses nearby nerves.
This nerve compression leads to pain and neurological symptoms.
Symptoms That May Require Discectomy
Not all slipped discs require surgery. Many improve with rest and physiotherapy. However, surgery may be necessary if symptoms are severe or persistent.
In Lumbar (Lower Back) Disc Prolapse:
Severe lower back pain
Radiating pain down the leg (sciatica)
Numbness or tingling in the leg
Weakness in the foot or leg
Difficulty walking
In Cervical (Neck) Disc Prolapse:
Neck pain
Pain radiating to shoulder or arm
Tingling in fingers
Weak hand grip
Emergency signs like loss of bladder control or progressive weakness require urgent surgical attention.
Non-Surgical Treatment First
Before recommending surgery, we usually try:
Pain medications
Activity modification
Physiotherapy
Epidural injections (in selected cases)
If pain continues beyond 4–6 weeks or weakness develops, discectomy is considered.
What is Discectomy?
Discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve. The goal is to relieve nerve compression while preserving the rest of the healthy disc.
At Shivam Advanced Orthocare, we perform minimally invasive discectomy whenever appropriate.
How the Surgery is Performed
Done under spinal or general anesthesia
Small incision over the affected area
Specialized instruments used to gently move muscles aside
Only the herniated disc fragment is removed
Nerve is decompressed carefully
The procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes.
Recovery After Discectomy
Modern techniques allow faster recovery:
Walking within 24 hours
Hospital stay usually 1–2 days
Return to light work in 2–3 weeks
Full recovery in 4–6 weeks
Structured rehabilitation is essential to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Shivam Advanced Orthocare?
At Shivam Advanced Orthocare, our focus is precision, safety, and patient-centered care.
✔ Advanced minimally invasive spine techniques
✔ Reduced muscle damage and faster recovery
✔ Accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning
✔ Ethical and transparent approach
✔ Complete pre- and post-operative guidance
We recommend surgery only when truly necessary and ensure that every patient receives comprehensive care throughout recovery.
