Back or leg pain caused by a herniated disc can be debilitating, often interfering with work, exercise, and quality of life. When conservative treatments like medication or injections fail to provide relief, a surgical procedure called a microdiscectomy may be recommended. At Nadora Healthcare, patients with disc-related nerve compression receive expert care from a highly trained spine specialist who can perform this minimally invasive surgery to help restore mobility and relieve pain.
Understanding Microdiscectomy Surgery
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to remove a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on nearby spinal nerves. It is most commonly performed in the lumbar spine, though in some cases, similar techniques may be used in the cervical or thoracic spine depending on the location of the disc herniation.
This procedure is typically recommended when:
- A patient has severe leg pain (sciatica) that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments
- Numbness or weakness is present in the leg or foot
- A large herniated disc is compressing spinal nerves
- Pain persists for more than six weeks despite rest, medications, or therapy
By removing the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve, the procedure alleviates pressure and often provides immediate pain relief.
How Is a Microdiscectomy Performed?
At Nadora Healthcare, a spine specialist performs a microdiscectomy using advanced techniques that minimize tissue disruption. The procedure involves:
- A small incision is made in the lower back (or neck if cervical).
- Microsurgical tools and a special microscope are used to access the spine and visualize the affected nerve and disc.
- Only the herniated portion of the disc is removed, preserving as much of the healthy disc as possible.
- The nerve is gently freed from compression, and the incision is closed.
This technique allows for a faster recovery, reduced scarring, and less post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery.
Why Choose a Spine Specialist at Nadora Healthcare?
Patients considering spine surgery should always seek care from a trained and experienced spine specialist. At Nadora Healthcare, all spine procedures are performed by:
- Dr. Scott Dhupar, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with deep expertise in minimally invasive spinal procedures.
- Dr. K. Soraya Heidari, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with a patient-first approach and advanced knowledge of spinal conditions and treatments.
Both physicians are committed to using the most effective, least invasive treatment methods. Microdiscectomy is often performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients return home the same day.
Post-Procedure Recovery
Recovery from a microdiscectomy is typically much quicker than from traditional open spine surgery. Most patients:
- Resume light activity within a few days
- Return to work in 1–3 weeks, depending on their job
- Experience significant relief of leg pain almost immediately
Your spine specialist will provide customized post-operative guidance, including activity restrictions, physical therapy referrals, and follow-up care.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re struggling with ongoing sciatica or nerve-related back pain, it may be time to see a spine specialist at Nadora Healthcare. Our team will evaluate your condition, review imaging, and walk you through all your options—starting with conservative treatments and offering surgical solutions like microdiscectomy only when necessary.
Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Scott Dhupar or Dr. Soraya Heidari and take the next step toward long-term relief and restored mobility.
