Surgery for herniated disc

Herniated disc problems affect many people

And represent the primary cause of lost work time after the common cold. There are many variants and causes, but the end result is that many people suffer debilitating pain, repeatedly, for years.

Herniated disc, bulging disc or “slipped disc”, occurs from gradual wear, (Degenerative Disc Disease) or it can be the result of a sports, work or auto accident. The most common contributing factor is poor physical condition and obesity. Disc problems in the spine can occur in the neck, in the upper back (Thorax), but most cases are in the lower back, the lumbar region.

Surgery for herniated disc treatment

May seem to be the “Magic Solution”, but in fact surgery is only appropriate for about 10% of patients. Before planning surgery, there are a number of non-surgical treatments that should be given a chance.

In most cases, 6 to 12 weeks of conservative treatments should be tried. Rest, physical therapy and/or chiropractic treatments, along with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications and cold compresses, all combined will hopefully allow the body to heal the damaged disc by itself.

For those patients who really need surgery, there are a number of options.

In some cases, it is possible to remove the bulging part of the disc, so that it stops pressing on the nerves. In other cases, it is necessary to remove the entire disc.

No matter what the treatment, it must begin with the proper diagnosis, followed by a careful plan of rehabilitation and therapy.

Some of the finest orthopaedic surgeons in the world are to be found in Cuba. Health Services International has been sending patients from North America to be evaluated and treated by the Cuban specialists. Before planning surgery for a herniated disc, a consultation with the Cuban specialists may be the best first step.