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Discectomy

Our minimally invasive discectomy offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated or bulging disc. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the portion of the disc pressing on a nerve, without altering the stability of the spine. Most procedures are same-day, with a shorter recovery than traditional open back surgery.

Illustration of an annular tear in a lumbar disc highlighted in red

What Is A Discectomy?

The spine is made up of vertebrae that rest one on top of the other, with a cushion called a disc between each. The discs let the vertebrae move and bend without touching the nerves. When a disc deteriorates or herniates, it moves out of its normal position and often compresses a nerve, causing localized and radiating pain.
 
A minimally invasive discectomy relieves that pressure by removing the portion of the herniated or bulging disc pressing on the nerve. Because our procedures treat the condition at its root cause, they provide more lasting relief than many conservative treatments, with higher patient satisfaction and a shorter recovery than traditional open back surgery.

Conditions A Discectomy Treats

While the most common condition treated is a herniated or bulging disc, several other conditions can be relieved by this procedure:

Herniated discsRemoves the herniated portion of the disc. Bulging discsRelieves pressure from a bulging disc. Degenerative disc diseaseWhen a worn disc compresses a nerve. Pinched nervesFrees a compressed nerve root. SciaticaTreats radiating leg pain at its source. RadiculopathyRelieves arm or leg nerve symptoms.
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Am I A Candidate?

Many of our patients tried conservative treatments and pain management for years before turning to minimally invasive spine surgery. A discectomy may be appropriate when imaging shows a disc compressing a nerve, symptoms have not improved with conservative care, or there is progressive weakness.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging and help point you toward the least invasive effective treatment.
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Illustration of a degenerated, inflamed disc in the lumbar spine

How A Discectomy Works

A minimally invasive discectomy follows a few precise steps:

  1. 1

    Anesthesia and positioning

    You are made comfortable and positioned for the procedure.

  2. 2

    A small incision

    Live X-ray guidance pinpoints the affected level so the incision can be small.

  3. 3

    Reaching the disc

    Muscles are gently moved aside rather than cut, preserving tissue.

  4. 4

    Removing the fragment

    The portion of disc pressing on the nerve is removed, leaving the rest of the disc and the spine's stability intact.

  5. 5

    Closing

    The small incision is closed, and most patients go home the same day.

Recovery After A Discectomy

Recovery varies by patient and level, but most follow a similar progression.

Procedure day

Walking and home

Most patients walk the same day and go home within hours.

Weeks 1 to 2

Light activity

Short walks and a return to desk work for many patients.

Weeks 2 to 6

Build strength

Gradual return to normal activity, often with physical therapy.

6 weeks and beyond

Full activity

Heavier lifting and sports as your surgeon allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a discectomy?

A discectomy is a procedure that removes the portion of a herniated or bulging disc that is pressing on a nerve, relieving pain, numbness, and weakness.

Is a minimally invasive discectomy different from a microdiscectomy?

Both remove the part of the disc compressing the nerve through a small incision. Minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques use specialized instruments and a magnified view to minimize disruption to muscle and tissue.

Does a discectomy affect the stability of the spine?

Our minimally invasive techniques remove only the portion of the disc compressing the nerve, without altering the stability of the spine. A fusion is not usually needed.

How long does recovery take?

Many patients walk the same day and return to desk work within one to two weeks, with heavier activity added gradually over several weeks.

Is a discectomy a same-day procedure?

Most minimally invasive discectomies at Total Spine and Orthopedics are performed on a same-day, outpatient basis.

How quickly does leg or arm pain improve?

Many patients notice relief of radiating pain soon after the pressure on the nerve is removed. Numbness and weakness can take longer to recover.

Can a disc herniate again after a discectomy?

Recurrence is possible at the same level. Following activity guidance, core strengthening, and healthy body mechanics help lower the risk.

Who is a candidate for a discectomy?

Patients with a herniated or bulging disc that compresses a nerve, whose symptoms have not improved with conservative care, or who have progressive weakness. Request a free MRI review or call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms A Discectomy Can Relieve

Symptoms vary with the individual and the severity of the condition. The most common include:

  • Arm or leg pain, radiating or shooting pain in addition to pain at the site of the compressed nerve, which may worsen with sneezing or coughing.
  • Neck and shoulder or buttock and leg pain, depending on whether the disc is in the neck or lower back.
  • Numbness or tingling that extends to the hand or foot.
  • Weakness in the arm and hand or leg and foot.
  • Pain that limits activity and quality of life.
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Related Treatments

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

One of our most common procedures is classified as minimally invasive decompression surgery. This type of surgery is often performed on patients who have a nerve compressed along their spinal cord, resulting in both local and radiating pain.

Laser Spine Surgery

aser spine surgery has been marketed as a cutting-edge solution for various spine conditions, offering the promise of pain relief with minimal recovery time.

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy procedure is a minimally invasive decompression surgery that relieves the pain associated with foraminal stenosis.

ACDF – Spinal Fusion

Patients suffering from a cervical (neck) spine condition may experience chronic neck pain or shooting pain in the head, arm, and/or fingers. This continual pain can become debilitating and cause a decrease in activity and quality of life.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Patients who have a deteriorated disc in the cervical (neck) spine may experience pain, numbness or tingling in the neck, arm and fingers. This continual pain, if left untreated, could result in a restriction of activity and quality of life.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Chronic lower back pain affects millions globally, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries like spinal fusion.

TLIF – Spinal Fusion

Patients who suffer from a spine condition in the lumbar (lower back region) often experience chronic pain and limited mobility.

Laminotomy

A laminotomy procedure is designed to relieve a compressed nerve in the back of the spinal cord. Your spine consists of several vertebra stacked on top of each other, with cushiony discs in between each vertebra to let the spine move freely.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Open Discectomy

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

A minimally invasive discectomy treats the disc at its root cause, with a shorter recovery and higher patient satisfaction than traditional open back surgery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Treating the root cause

    Our procedures address the disc compressing the nerve, providing more lasting relief than many conservative options.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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