Cervical and Lumbar Disk Herniation Repair
Vertebrae in the spine are separated by intervertebral discs, which are composed of spongy connective tissue. Some of the most commonly damaged vertebrae and discs are the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae.
A herniated disc occurs when the intervertebral disc tears or ruptures, causing the soft, gelatinous core of the disc to ooze out. In addition to risking vertebrae-on-vertebrae abrasions, a herniated disc can also pinch nearby nerves, resulting in severe chronic pain.
In many cases, surgical intervention isn’t required to treat herniated discs. However, some patients, especially those with degenerated discs between their lumbar vertebrae, may not experience relief with less invasive treatment options such as physical therapy, injections, and medication. In these cases, a surgeon may recommend:
Discectomy – Partial or total removal of the damaged intervertebral disc.
Laminectomy – Removal of the lamina, or the bony arch, of the vertebrae.
Spinal Fusion – Fusion of two or more vertebrae utilizing bone grafts on the spine and in some cases screws, rods, or other devices to improve spinal stability.