As people age, the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine begin to wear out. When the discs crack and the soft material inside leaks out--a condition called herniation, protrusion or slipping--pain from nerve compression can result. Over 90 percent of the time, surgery isn't necessary for treating damaged discs, but may be done to relieve pain that doesn't respond to conservative treatment or if severe damage to the nerve occurs, according to the University of Michigan. Several surgical options exist, depending on the area needing surgery.
Cervical Disc Surgery
The first seven vertebrae of the spine, the cervical vertebrae, form the neck. Incisions for herniated cervical disc surgery can be done from the front of the neck or the back, with the front being a much more common approach. Anterior cervical discectomy is more common than posterior cervical discectomy because the discs are easier to reach from the front. When the damaged discs are removed, the empty area is filled with bone either from the patient or using donor bone. As the area heals, one solid piece of bone is formed between the new bone and the vertebrae on either side. Metal plates and screws hold the new bone and vertebrae together, in many cases, according to the University of Maryland.
Laminectomy
Laminectomy removes part of the bone that covers the spinal cord, leaving more room in the spinal canal and relieving pressure on compressed nerves. Laminectomy is used to treat spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal and herniated discs. Spinal fusion may be done at the same time to stabilize the spine. Surgery takes one to three hours and requires a one- to three-day hospital stay, according to Medline Plus.
Microdiscectomy
Lumbar disc surgery repairs herniated discs in the lower back. A microdiscectomy, also called microlumbar discectomy, is done through a small 1 to 2cm incision directly over the damaged disc. Removal of a small piece of laminar bone allows better visualization of the area before removal of the damaged disc. Microdiscectomy, done under general anesthesia allows patients to go home the same day or next day. Between 90 and 96 percent of patients undergoing microdiscectomy get good to excellent results, the University of Southern California reports.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial discs placed into the spinal area to replace a damaged disc may avoid the need for spinal fusion, according to the Mayo Clinic.
