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About Percutaneous Discectomy
As a minimally invasive treatment, a percutaneous discectomy, also known as percutaneous disc decompression, is performed to release pressure from damaged intervertebral discs. As the round, spongy cushions between your vertebrae, intervertebral discs help to absorb shock, allowing you to bend and twist your back properly. During the natural aging process, the discs can become brittle and have reduced water content. In some cases, the disc can rupture or bulge out from their normal position, causing pressure on surrounding nerves. When not properly treated, a damaged disc can lead to pain, weakness, and numbness in the back, legs, or arms. Though in some instances, the disc can heal on its own with rest and physical therapy, a percutaneous discectomy may be necessary in more severe cases. At Tricity Pain Associates, our team of pain management experts performs percutaneous discectomy procedures to reduce the pressure on the discs and allow you to live more comfortably. Contact one of our Texas pain management facilities to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation with one of our specialists.
Ideal Candidates
A percutaneous discectomy is used to alleviate pressure that is caused by damaged intervertebral discs in the spine. This could be due to a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis, or spinal stenosis. In some cases, the disc may rupture, but it may also bulge and place increased pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can be both debilitating and painful, requiring the necessary treatment to relieve pressure from the spinal cord and the nerves. In order to properly diagnose your underlying condition, a member of our pain management team will conduct a thorough evaluation with x-rays, digital imaging, and a physical exam, as well as look at your symptoms and your complete medical history.
Discectomy Technique
A discectomy procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under either a local or general anesthetic. The entire procedure may last around 30 minutes, and it begins with the placement of a needle into the affected disc. A probe is then positioned through the needle into the disc. Next, the necessary bone and ligaments will be removed from the bulging or herniated disc to release pressure on the disc and surrounding areas. Though it should not be painful, you may feel some pressure during the procedure.
What To Expect
Following your percutaneous discectomy treatment, you may be recommended to rest and take it easy for up to 2 – 6 weeks. Our team will also provide you with the appropriate aftercare instructions to aid in your recovery process. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to evaluate your progress and ensure you are healing properly. With a discectomy procedure, it is unlikely that the same disc will be affected again.
Ease Spinal Pressure
When an intervertebral disc becomes damaged, it can be both painful and debilitating. At Tricity Pain Associates, our team of pain management specialists provides percutaneous discectomy procedures to alleviate pressure and decrease discomfort. To learn more, contact one of our state-of-the-art Texas facilities to schedule a consultation.