A Serious Pain In The Leg
Back pain seems almost universal as of late. More than 80% of persons will experience some back pain. But if that pain starts traveling down the leg, the issue could be sciatica. There are different ways to treat the problem, including a microdiscectomy. However, persons should consider surgery only in certain circumstances.
Stay off that nerve
Never heard of sciatica before? Sciatica refers to nerve pain in the lower back that travels down the back of the leg. Damaged or compressed sciatic nerves cause pain. The sciatic nerve is a cluster of nerves that start in the lower vertebrae and sacrum. These nerves split into two and run down the back of each thigh, before branching off at the tibia. Sciatic nerves are responsible for pain and sensation in the upper leg. Sciatica causes sharp pains in the back, buttocks, and upper leg, making everyday movement difficult at times.
Interesting fact: The sciatic nerve is the longest in the body.
The many signs of sciatica
Sciatica can happen via spinal issues or non-spinal issues. Spinal problems include herniated discs, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or abnormal growths. Non-spinal effects include pregnancy, accidents, or piriformis syndrome. A herniated disc, however, is the leading cause of sciatica. Herniated discs can press on sciatic nerve roots causing pain. Disc herniation happens due to a range of issues including poor posture and injury. Additional inflammation and swelling can compress the nerves even further. In this case, a doctor may consider microdiscectomy.
Just a little off the top
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that seeks to relieve sciatic pain. Surgeons use microdiscectomy to remove parts of a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve. The surgeon will make a small incision near the herniated disc. Then using a laparoscope, the surgeon gets a high-definition view of the damage. From there, the surgeon inserts microscopic tools to cut away the herniated tissue. The procedure can take a few hours and the patient usually gets discharged in about 24 hours. Microdiscectomies have an 84% success rate. Removing the pressure allows the sciatic nerve to heal and reduces pain.
When to go under the knife
Surgery isn’t for everyone. Doctors will work on non-invasive methods first. These include exercise, physical therapy, and medication. In most cases, these techniques work to relieve pain and improve the quality of life. However, if persons still experience pain, then surgery is a useful option. If checks show a severely damaged disc, then doctors may opt to go straight to surgery. Surgery may also work best for someone with consecutive weeks of severe leg pain. Doctors and patients together can come up with the right decision based on all factors.
Sort out sciatica with a microdiscectomy
Sciatica diminishes the quality of life for men and women worldwide. While no one likes the idea of surgery, a microdiscectomy could make all the difference in relieving pain. The procedure takes off the pressure on the nerves and is minimally invasive. Remember, all surgical procedures pose some risk. Persons with sciatica or showing signs of the condition should speak with a healthcare provider immediately.
Recent Posts
ACL Repair: Will You Have Range Of Motion With Your Knee After Recovery & Physical Therapy?
After an ACL injury, ROM can be negatively affected. ACL repair surgery helps restore function, but physical therapy is essential to ROM.
Arthroscopy: What Are The Benefits Of This Minimally Invasive Outpatient Orthopedic Procedure?
Arthroscopy can help diagnose or treat joint conditions. Benefits of the MIS include faster recovery, less pain, and fewer scars.
Posterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion: What Are The Benefits Of PLIF For People With Back Pain?
People with chronic back pain may benefit from posterior interbody lumbar fusion surgery. PLIF can reduce pain and improve stability.
Saying Goodbye To Tonsil Troubles: The Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Tonsillectomy
Chronic tonsilitis or other tonsil troubles can impact health and well-being. A minimally invasive tonsillectomy can reduce infections.
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
Recent Posts
ACL Repair: Will You Have Range Of Motion With Your Knee After Recovery & Physical Therapy?
After an ACL injury, ROM can be negatively affected. ACL repair surgery helps restore function, but physical therapy is essential to ROM.
Arthroscopy: What Are The Benefits Of This Minimally Invasive Outpatient Orthopedic Procedure?
Arthroscopy can help diagnose or treat joint conditions. Benefits of the MIS include faster recovery, less pain, and fewer scars.
Posterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion: What Are The Benefits Of PLIF For People With Back Pain?
People with chronic back pain may benefit from posterior interbody lumbar fusion surgery. PLIF can reduce pain and improve stability.
Saying Goodbye To Tonsil Troubles: The Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Tonsillectomy
Chronic tonsilitis or other tonsil troubles can impact health and well-being. A minimally invasive tonsillectomy can reduce infections.
