Endoscopic Discectomy
Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery that is performed on patients suffering from herniated discs. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means the patient can return home the same day of the surgery. During the procedure, a physician uses a tubular device to remove portions of the herniated disc to allow compressed nerves to move back to their normal position. Once the damaged pieces have been removed, the surgical device is removed, allowing surrounding tissue to close around the surgical site. The incision is closed with a bandage, and the patient is sent home shortly afterward to recover.
Learn about your treatment options
The first step in treating your pain is to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms. Based on your diagnosis, you and your doctor can determine your best treatment options. At The Pain Center, we offer traditional and state-of-the-art therapies to treat your pain and help get you back to your normal activities.
What is Endoscopic Discectomy?
An endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in your spine that is performed to remove herniated disc material pressing upon your nerve or spinal cord.
What Types of Pain Does Endoscopic Discectomy Treat?
Pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower back, legs, or buttocks caused by a herniated or bulging disc.
How Does Endoscopic Discectomy Work?
During the procedure, a physician uses a tubular device to remove portions of the herniated disc and scar tissue to allow compressed nerves to move back to their normal position.
Once the damaged pieces have been removed, the surgical device is removed, allowing surrounding tissue to close around the surgical site.
The small incision is closed with a bandage, and the patient is sent home shortly afterward to recover.
Expectations and Recovery
This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means the patient can return home the same day of the surgery.
Numbness and tingling may occur in your legs, and you’ll be advised against bending, lifting, or twisting, as well as any strenuous activity for weeks after your procedure.
What Symptoms of Leg Pain Should I Report to My Doctor?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your symptoms. Leg pain symptoms to watch out for include:
- Pain in either or both legs, with or without back pain
- Foot pain
- Sudden pain that comes and goes
- Redness or discoloration of the skin on either leg
- Swelling in the leg, ankle, or calf
- Distended veins
- Weakness
- Leg skin warm that’s warm to the touch
- Itching or throbbing skin
- Pain that worsens when walking, exercising
- Sciatica leg pain, or radiating pain down the back of the leg toward the feet
- Leg stiffness, general or morning
- Numbness, tingling, throbbing
- Muscle pain/aches
- Aching with or without fever
- Tenderness
- Burning sensation/pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Change in walking or movement due to pain (limping)
- Muscle cramps
- Achilles pain in your lower calf
Other Conservative Treatments for Leg and Back Pain
Other procedures used to treat chronic leg and back pain include:
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- For short-term pain relief (typically 3-4 months), steroid injections can be used to treat neck pain and can be combined with physical therapy and exercise for maximum benefit.
- Nerve Blocks
- Therapeutic nerve blocks contain local pain medications that can control acute pain.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
- A minimally invasive procedure in the neck, middle or lower back, that destroys nerve fibers in the back that carry pain signals. It is performed under fluoroscopy (live x-ray).
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- If other therapies aren’t effective for treating your pain, an implantable pain management device can be an option. These devices administer mild electrical pulses to block the transmission of pain.
Get the care you need within 24 hours*
We know when you’re looking for relief for your chronic pain, you can’t wait any longer than you already have. This is why we can schedule you with an appointment within 24 hours at most of our pain centers across the Valley, so you can start your journey to life-long pain relief as soon as tomorrow.