Discectomy Treatment
A damaged or herniated spinal disc can send sharp, radiating pain down the legs, making standing or sitting unbearable. When the damage compresses spinal nerves, it can cause weakness or numbness in your hip, thigh, leg, or foot. When these symptoms resist conservative care, a discectomy can alleviate pain and restore function and mobility.
What Is a Discectomy?
Discectomy is a type of spine surgery that involves the removal of all or part of a spinal disc that compresses a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing pain and reduced mobility.
Discectomy surgery can be performed on the lower back, mid-back, or even the neck. A lumbar discectomy focuses on the lower spine and is most commonly used to treat slipped or herniated discs in the mid to low back, while a cervical discectomy treats similar disc herniation in the neck.
In many cases, discectomy can now be performed as a minimally invasive procedure with robotic assistance, allowing for greater precision, less disruption of surrounding tissue, and a smoother, faster recovery.
When Is Discectomy Recommended?
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a discectomy when persistent neck, arm, back, or leg pain, numbness, or weakness have not improved with at least 4 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. Discectomy surgery is most often considered for a herniated disc that compresses spinal nerves and limits your ability to walk, work, or perform daily activities.
To confirm whether discectomy surgery is the right treatment, your surgeon may order diagnostic testing such as an MRI, CT scan, or a myelogram to clearly identify the source of your symptoms.
How is a Discectomy Performed?
Discectomy surgery can be performed as traditional open surgery or as a robot-assisted, minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and advanced tools. This less invasive approach enables greater precision and causes less disruption to healthy tissue. Robot-assisted discectomies often lead to shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries, and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
A discectomy is normally performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about an hour, depending on your specific case. Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis, though some may stay overnight. In some cases, discectomy surgery can be performed in an outpatient surgery center.
Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Discectomy Surgery
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, you’ll find a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons who specialize in discectomy as well as the most complex spine surgeries. Using the most advanced techniques and technology, they treat a wide range of conditions affecting the back, neck, and spine. Our specialists personalize every step of your care, from preparing for discectomy surgery through to your recovery.
When conservative care no longer provides relief, our spine doctors will provide accurate diagnostics to determine the best back pain treatment for restoring your mobility and achieving lasting pain relief. If you need an expert spine surgeon dedicated to helping you live a healthy and more active life, please contact us online or call us at (949) 890-0464 today.
We help you get back to you®.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
-
You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
-
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
-
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.
.2510151138550.jpg)
