“What kind of surgery is done for bulging disc?”
I have a bulging disc and want to treat it. What kind of surgery is done for a bulging disc?
7 Answers
OrthopedistOrthopedist
The answer is none. Bulging discs are normal. MRI studies have shown that people who have no pain whatsoever have bulging discs. 30% of people in their twenties and thirties with no pain. As we get older, that percentage goes up. Just because you have back pain, it doesn't mean that it is coming from that bulging disc. It could be due to other things. The best treatment is core and lower back strengthening exercises, NSAIDS and possibly and epidural block. Be sure you are seeing and Orthopedic or Neurosurgeon who specializes in back conditions.
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Bulging discs do not require surgery. Usually physical therapy and medications. Herniated, displaced discs may need surgery.
Surgery is usually not indicated for a bulging disc. I would pursue other options such as physical therapy.
It depends on your symptoms. If your bulging disc is adversely affecting a specific nerve root and your symptoms include mostly leg pain and you have exhausted conservative care including structured physical therapy, anti inflammatory medication either orally or by fluoroscopic injection then a microscopic discectomy has been shown to be effective.
I am sorry to read about your bulging disc problem. Thanks for allowing me to respond and give my thoughts, tips and suggestions to you.
Bulging discs are incredibly common. Some occur with trauma and others occur as a normal process of aging. Therefore, unless you are hurting on a near-daily basis, and have tried many modalities (heat, physical therapy, chiropractic, modalities, injections), I would not undergo surgery for a bulging disc. Once a disc is operated on, the repair process forms scar tissue and not ‘100% normal’ annulus fibrosis (the soft tissue envelope that holds the vertebral bodies together and house the gelatinous intervertebral discs/‘nucleus pulposus’). Therefore, it is at risk for further problems in your lifetime.
‘Treatment’ of bulging discs include those listed above. In addition, maintaining motion, flexibility, strength, endurance, and conditioning of the muscles around the imperfect discs. Here are some good activities and exercises to help you: https://www.pop-doc.com/browse.cgi?category1=Lower%20Back
I hope this helps.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
Bulging discs are incredibly common. Some occur with trauma and others occur as a normal process of aging. Therefore, unless you are hurting on a near-daily basis, and have tried many modalities (heat, physical therapy, chiropractic, modalities, injections), I would not undergo surgery for a bulging disc. Once a disc is operated on, the repair process forms scar tissue and not ‘100% normal’ annulus fibrosis (the soft tissue envelope that holds the vertebral bodies together and house the gelatinous intervertebral discs/‘nucleus pulposus’). Therefore, it is at risk for further problems in your lifetime.
‘Treatment’ of bulging discs include those listed above. In addition, maintaining motion, flexibility, strength, endurance, and conditioning of the muscles around the imperfect discs. Here are some good activities and exercises to help you: https://www.pop-doc.com/browse.cgi?category1=Lower%20Back
I hope this helps.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
I don't do spine surgery but bulging disks usually respond to non operative treatment
There is a discectomy surgery available for a bulging disc- it does depend on how severe the bulging disc is as to whether or not surgery is appropriate however.
