What is a Lumbar Discectomy?
Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part of a disc that is pressing on
spinal nerves in the lower (lumbar) back. Discs are soft but strong, thick cushions that sit between each vertebra of the spinal
column. They are resilient to the mechanical forces placed on them but can become
damaged through age or trauma, such as heavy lifting. This damage is called “herniation”. The most common symptoms are pain in the lower back, buttocks, hip, thigh and leg,
numbness, tingling and weakness in the legs. In serious cases, bladder and bowel control
may be impaired or lost.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Imaging
MRI, CT scans, and X-ray examinations reveal the anatomy of a herniated disc and the precise location of nerve compression.
Clinical Examination
Your surgeon will examine your strength, reflexes, and ability to feel pain to plan the best treatment for you.
Treatment Options
