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• Torn Disc Surgery

Torn Disc Surgery

Torn disc surgery is considered when back or neck pain from a symptomatic disc has persisted through all forms of conservative, non-surgical treatment. However, the decision to undergo disc surgery is not a minor one, particularly because some forms of torn disc surgery have a number of risks and drawbacks that warrant consideration before consent for an operation is given by a patient.

A torn disc – also commonly referred to as a herniated or ruptured disc – is a damaged or deteriorated intervertebral disc in the spine. When functioning normally, these discs cushion the vertebrae, but when a tear occurs, the disc may protrude from its normal resting position and compress the neighboring nerve structure in the spine. It is this never irritation that leads to an individual’s pain.

When other treatments have failed, the next step in treating a torn disc and decompressing the nerve is with open back surgery, but this is hardly a perfect option. Potential risks and deterrents to open back torn disc surgery include:

• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
• Pain transference along the spine or post-operative pain
• Bone graft or hardware rejection
• Chance for hemorrhaging, infection, or blood clots
• Potential scar tissue buildup
• Lengthy rehabilitation and recovery
• And more

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An endoscopic spine procedure at Laser Spine Institute (LSI), on the other hand, is an excellent alternative to open back surgery. Our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures involve the use of computer-assisted lasers to gently remove the portion of the torn disc that is causing nerve compression. As a result, the procedure is more precise and requires a shorter recovery period than open back surgery.

To learn more about all of your torn disc procedure options, and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan, contact LSI today.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.