The discs in the spine can change as we age. One of the changes could be disc herniation (sometimes called a slipped disc or ruptured disc), a condition where a small bump forms on the disc. While many people don’t experience any herniated disc symptoms, it can cause back pain, stiffness and muscle weakness that make it difficult to get through the day.

If you’re struggling with pain from a herniated disc, our orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons are here to help. We’re experts in all types of surgeries for herniated discs, and we use the latest techniques and technologies to help you feel like yourself again.

Each decision to get surgery for a herniated disc begins with a surgical consultation. We know that most of the time herniated disc symptoms can be treated with nonsurgical treatments, and we’ll only recommend surgery if it’s the best option for you. If you need herniated disc surgery, you’ll have a team of award-winning surgeons by your side every step of the way. And with locations throughout the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin, the care you need is always close to home.

In most cases, physical therapists and nonsurgical spine specialists can help you manage disc herniation without surgery. We’ll assess your condition and work with you to create a treatment plan based on your condition, symptoms and goals. If surgery is needed, we’ll connect you with the right specialist to make sure you get the care you need.

Talking with a spine expert is the only way to know if you’ll need herniated disc surgery. However, there are some signs to watch out for that might mean you’re a good candidate for surgery:

• Your symptoms haven’t improved with nonsurgical treatments
• Your symptoms are getting worse with time
• You’ve noticed muscle weakness or numbness in your arms or legs
• You’ve experienced loss of bladder or bowel control
• Herniated disc symptoms are making it challenging for you to get through the day

If you notice any of these signs, talk with a doctor as soon as possible.

What happens during surgery for a herniated disc depends on your condition and what type of surgery you need. Your surgeon will talk with you about the details of your specific procedure, but here is what you can generally expect.

Minimally invasive surgeries are the most common types we use to treat herniated discs. This means that we use the smallest incisions possible when performing spine surgery, allowing for a faster and smoother recovery. Minimally invasive surgeries to treat a herniated disc usually last about two hours, though you’ll spend a few more hours at the hospital or surgery center getting ready for surgery and recovering afterwards.

Herniated disc surgeries are typically outpatient procedures. This means that you’ll be able to return home the same day as your surgery for a herniated disc. You’ll also be able to walk a few hours after surgery.

The most common types of surgery for disc herniation are discectomy, spinal fusion surgery and laminectomy.

A discectomy is a spine surgery where part or all of the herniated disc is removed to ease pressure on the nerves, relieving pain and improving spine function. It’s a highly effective way to treat symptoms caused by a herniated disc. Most patients recover from a discectomy and have long-lasting relief from their back pain.

The majority of discectomies we perform are minimally invasive surgeries, called a microdiscectomy. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as surgery.

Recovery time after a microdiscectomy varies. Most people can return to desk work and light activity 2-4 weeks following a microdiscectomy, but it can take 3-6 months to fully recover.

If a herniated disc causes weakness or instability in the spine, a spinal fusion might be needed. Spinal fusion is a type of surgery that joins two or more vertebrae together to improve spine stability and protect the spinal cord. Fusing the vertebrae takes uncomfortable pressure off the nerves. Typically, spinal fusion surgery is an outpatient procedure.

In some cases, a spinal fusion surgery may be combined with a discectomy or a laminectomy to most effectively treat pain caused by a herniated disc and prevent future injuries.

It can take several months to fully recover from spinal fusion surgery, but you’ll gradually increase the amount of activity you can do every few weeks until you’ve healed. Your surgeon will talk with you about what to expect during your procedure and recovery if spinal fusion surgery is recommended to treat your herniated disc.

A laminectomy is another type of decompression surgery used to treat disc herniation. During a laminectomy, the lamina (a boney plate in the spine) near the herniated disc is removed, making room for the damaged disc and reducing pressure on the nerves. It’s often used to treat a herniated disc alongside spinal fusion surgery or when a prior surgery didn’t relieve back pain.

Most of the time, we’re able to perform minimally invasive laminectomies as outpatient procedures. You’ll be able to return home the same day as the surgery.

Recovery time after a laminectomy varies from person to person. It can take 4-8 weeks to return to desk work and light activity, and up to six months to recover fully.

Physical therapy for a herniated disc can strengthen the muscles that support your spine and teach you how to prevent future back injuries, helping you get the best results from your procedure. You’ll work with physical therapists who will create a personalized physical therapy plan for you during your recovery.

Most plans include a combination of guided exercises, manual therapy and education. Our physical therapists might also recommend complementary therapies, such as blood flow restriction or dry needling, to help you heal.

How often and how long you’ll need to attend physical therapy sessions after surgery for a herniated disc varies. Your surgeon will talk with you about what to expect, and your physical therapist will answer any questions you have about timing during your first session.