Surgical Treatment for Herniated Discs
A herniated disc can cause a great deal of discomfort and prevent you from doing the things you love. Luckily, they are also highly treatable and one of the most common reasons people are referred to New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. If you’re suffering from a herniated disc and conservative modalities haven’t provided relief, Dr. Sandro LaRocca is standing by to help you explore your surgical treatment options from our Central New Jersey locations in Lawrenceville, Mount Laurel, North Brunswick, and Wall Township.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Between each vertebra is a spinal disc that holds the sections of the spine together while allowing for a full range of movement, with soft centers that provide cushioning during movement and for impacts. Sometimes, whether due to injury or to natural degeneration over time, the jelly-like center of the disc can become herniated, meaning it bulges out from its normal space. The bulging can cause pressure on the spinal cord itself, nerve roots, or other nearby structures, and this can occur anywhere on the spine.
When this happens, it can cause radiculopathy, which is pain, weakness, numbness, or pain radiating from the back through the extremities. It can also cause myelopathy, or spinal cord compression, leading to difficulty walking and balancing, tingling or numbness, and other symptoms.
Herniated discs are known to affect millions of people each year and are typically treatable through non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy, epidural shots, or pain management. However, if herniated discs don’t respond to these modalities, or there is neurological dysfunction such as weakness, surgery may be recommended by Dr. LaRocca.
Diagnosing and Treating a Herniated Disc
With over two decades of expertise in diagnosing and treating spinal issues, board-certified Dr. LaRocca can help you make the best treatment decisions for your herniated disc. To properly diagnose your condition and qualify you for surgery, the doctor will perform a physical examination and/or medical imaging like X-rays or an MRI. After an evaluation of your condition and health records, a treatment plan optimized for you and your needs can be developed. If Dr. LaRocca determines you are a candidate for herniated disc surgery, he may recommend one of the following procedures:
A microdiscectomy is minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves removing portions of the herniated disc. This relieves pressure on the spinal nerves, eliminating pain and other symptoms. It is typically performed on lumbar injuries but can be effective anywhere along the spine.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Herniated discs in the cervical spine that require surgery are typically treated with an ACDF. During ACDF, Dr. LaRocca removes the entire damaged disc. He may also remove any bone spurs or other material that is pressing on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. He then uses bone graft material and cages and plates to fuse neighboring vertebrae together, strengthening the joint and protecting against further injury.
Herniations, particularly recurrent herniations at the same spinal level in the lower back that result in severe back pain or instability are treated with lumbar fusion. This procedure involves removing the disc, placement of bone graft material, implantation of cages, screws and rods stabilizing the segment until a bony fusion occurs within 2-3 months fusing . The fusion prevents further motion of the affected vertebrae and ensures that spinal nerves have room to pass through without pressure.
Many fusion procedures may be performed in a minimally invasive fashion with small incisions, minimizing pain and recovery, allowing you to return home within a day after treatment. Dr. LaRocca may recommend physical therapy and restrictions on activity in the days and weeks to follow. By following his advice, most patients see excellent outcomes and a better quality of life after treatment.
Learn More About Herniated Disc Surgery with Dr. LaRocca
If you're experiencing the discomfort and neurological issues associated with a herniated disc or have been referred for a surgical consultation, Dr. LaRocca and the team at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute are here to provide a comprehensive approach to relieve your pain and enhance your quality of life. You can schedule an appointment by calling 609-896-0020 or visiting our website at www.njnbi.com. We have four convenient locations:
3131 Princeton Pike, Bldg 6, Ste 106, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
1985 Highway 34, Ste 6A, Wall Township, NJ 07719
1004 Birchfield Drive, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
2090 NJ-27, STE 102, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902