Cervical Microdiscectomy

What is Cervical Microdiscectomy?

Cervical Microdiscectomy is the surgical removal of a damaged disc in the cervical spine (neck). It is a minimally invasive surgery, performed using advanced techniques, which minimizes injury, leaves fewer scars and allows fast recovery.

Diagnosis and Tests

The following diagnostic procedures may be ordered by the doctor if the patient manifests any symptoms associated with disc herniation:

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan – These are a series of X-rays assembled by the computer in three-dimensional images of the whole-body structure.
Electromyography (EMG) – This process is carried out by testing the electrical activity of the nerve’s root and helps in determining the cause of the pain.
Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging – This is the best method of getting spinal cord images, intervertebral discs, nerve roots, and ligaments.
Myelography – In this procedure, a practitioner injects a liquid dye into the spinal column, then a computerized tomography (CT) scan and a series of X-rays follows. These images may help in disclosing indentations of the sac in the spinal fluid, which are caused by bulging, bone spurs, or herniated discs that may be pressing on nerves or the spinal cord.

Cervical Microdiscectomy at Treasure Valley Hospital

A variety of diagnostic procedures may be ordered by the surgeon to rule out any other possibilities.

Treatment

The following non-operative treatments may be initiated and discussed by the surgeon before deciding on the surgery option:

Weight control
Activity modification
Physical therapy which includes massage, conditioning, ultrasound as well as exercise programs.
Patient’s education on proper body posture and movements to help in decreasing the chances of damaging the disc or worsening the pain.
Medication that either reduces inflammation, relaxes the muscles or controls pain.

A herniated disc’s surgical treatment would, however, be based on the following:

History, severity, and duration of the pain.
History of whether the patient has previously received any treatment for disc disorder and how effective it was.
Evidence of any neurologic damage like weakness, bowel problems, impaired coordination and sensory loss is noted.

Surgery is recommended for patients diagnosed with disc disorder of the spine, who have not found relief in treatment over a duration of 6-12 weeks. Secondly, for patients who also suffer from weakness, numbness and reduced function caused by pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, surgery is highly recommended.

Recovery Process

After surgery, patients usually are discharged on the same day or the following day. Patients are advised to refrain from exercises that are strenuous until cleared by the surgeon. Patients are, however, encouraged to increase activities as they will be able to tolerate.

The surgeon schedules a follow-up visit, typically 4-6 weeks after the surgery.

Though physical therapy is not required, it is sometimes used to increase the range of motion as well as to strengthen the neck.

Why Choose TVH for Cervical Microdiscectomy?

At Treasure Valley Hospital, we offer high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost. Our physicians, as well as hospital staff, are dedicated to treating and caring for our patients in the most professional way possible. The well-being of our patients comes first.