Discectomy Surgery in Montgomery, AL

A herniated disc can place pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain that travels into an arm or leg, as well as numbness, tingling, or weakness. When these symptoms persist despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment, a discectomy may be considered to relieve the nerve compression.

At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Milo Sanda, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, provides surgical and nonsurgical treatment for conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Dr. Sanda sees patients for specialized spine care in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka, AL.

If a herniated disc is causing persistent arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. For broader information on related symptoms, you can explore the Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons Back Pain Center.

What Is a Discectomy?

A discectomy is a type of spine surgery used to relieve pressure on a nerve caused by herniated disc material.

Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and help cushion the spine. A disc can become damaged or weakened, allowing some of its inner material to push through the outer portion. This is known as a herniated disc. When herniated disc material presses on or irritates a nearby nerve, symptoms may extend beyond the back or neck. Depending on the location of the affected disc, nerve compression can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg.

During a discectomy performed by Dr. Milo Sanda, the surgeon removes the portion of disc material causing the nerve compression while leaving the remaining disc in place. The goal is to create more space for the affected nerve and relieve symptoms associated with the compression.

What Conditions Can a Discectomy Treat?

A discectomy is most commonly associated with a herniated disc that is compressing a nerve. Depending on where the affected disc is located, symptoms may include:

Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or leg
Sciatica-type pain
Pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Symptoms that worsen with certain movements or positions
Pain that interferes with walking, working, sleeping, or normal activities

Not every herniated disc requires surgery. Imaging findings alone also do not necessarily mean that a discectomy is needed. Your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, response to previous treatment, and overall condition all help determine whether surgery is appropriate.

When Is Discectomy Surgery Considered?

Nonsurgical treatment is often considered first when appropriate. Depending on the patient’s condition and symptoms, treatment before surgery may include:

Activity modification
Physical therapy
Medications
Spinal injections
Other conservative treatments

A discectomy may be considered when nerve-related symptoms persist despite nonsurgical care, significantly interfere with daily activities, or when neurological symptoms or the severity of nerve compression make surgical treatment appropriate. The decision to proceed with surgery is individualized based on the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, imaging findings, overall health, and treatment goals.

What Happens During a Discectomy?

The specific surgical approach depends on where the herniated disc is located and the structures involved. During a discectomy, the surgeon accesses the affected area of the spine and removes the portion of herniated disc material that is pressing on the nerve. In some cases, a small amount of bone or other tissue may also need to be removed to safely access and decompress the affected nerve. A discectomy may sometimes be performed along with another spine procedure depending on the underlying condition. The goal is not to remove the entire spinal disc. Instead, the procedure addresses the portion contributing to nerve compression.

What Is a Minimally Invasive Discectomy?

Some discectomy procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized instruments and smaller surgical access points to reach the affected area while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. Depending on the patient’s condition, minimally invasive approaches may include tubular or endoscopic techniques. Whether a minimally invasive discectomy is appropriate depends on several factors, including:

The location of the herniated disc
The type and extent of disc herniation
The structures causing nerve compression
The patient’s anatomy
Whether another procedure is needed at the same time

Minimally invasive surgery is not necessarily the right approach for every patient. Your spine surgeon will recommend the surgical technique that is appropriate for your individual condition.

What to Expect During Your Evaluation

Before recommending surgery, your spine surgeon will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and physical examination findings. The examination may include an assessment of:

Strength
Reflexes
Sensation
Range of motion
Areas of pain or tenderness
How symptoms respond to certain movements or positions

MRI is commonly used to evaluate spinal discs and nerve compression. X-rays, CT scans, or other testing may also be recommended depending on the condition. An important part of the evaluation is determining whether the abnormality seen on imaging corresponds with the symptoms you are experiencing.

Recovery After Discectomy Surgery

Recovery varies based on the location of the affected disc, the surgical approach, whether additional procedures were performed, and the patient’s overall health. Walking and gentle movement may be incorporated into the early recovery process as directed by your surgeon. Certain activities may be temporarily restricted while the surgical area heals. Postoperative instructions may address:

Incision care
Walking and daily activity
Lifting restrictions
Bending and twisting
Driving
Returning to work
Physical therapy when appropriate
Returning to exercise or sports
Follow-up appointments

Rather than comparing your recovery with someone else’s timeline, follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon based on your procedure and progress.

What Are the Goals of a Discectomy?

The primary goal of a discectomy is to relieve nerve compression caused by herniated disc material. Depending on the affected nerve, the procedure may be intended to improve:

Radiating arm or leg pain
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness related to nerve compression
Function limited by nerve-related symptoms

A discectomy is not primarily performed to treat generalized back or neck pain. Some patients may continue to experience discomfort related to other changes in the spine even after the compressed nerve has been addressed. Individual results vary, and your spine surgeon will discuss which symptoms the procedure is intended to address and what you can realistically expect from surgery.

Meet Dr. Milo Sanda

Milo Sanda, DO, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Sanda completed advanced fellowship training in Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at The Spine Institute of Louisiana after completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Bon Secours Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.

His practice includes surgical and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, with an emphasis on individualized treatment and conservative care when appropriate. His areas of spine care include:

Minimally invasive spine surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery
Discectomy
Laminectomy and spinal decompression
Cervical and lumbar disc replacement
SI joint fusion
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty
Bone spur removal
Spinal injections
Radiofrequency ablation

Dr. Sanda sees patients in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka, Alabama.

Frequently Asked Questions About Discectomy

What Is the Main Goal of a Discectomy?

A discectomy is performed to relieve pressure on a nerve caused by herniated disc material. The procedure is primarily intended to address nerve-related symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Is a Discectomy the Same as a Microdiscectomy?

The terms are related but are not always interchangeable. A discectomy refers broadly to removing disc material that is compressing a nerve. A microdiscectomy describes an approach that uses magnification and a smaller surgical exposure to perform the decompression. Your surgeon can explain which approach is appropriate for your condition.

Is a Discectomy the Same as a Laminectomy?

No. A discectomy removes herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve. A laminectomy removes part or all of the lamina, a portion of the vertebral bone, to create more space for the spinal cord or nerve roots. The procedures may sometimes be performed together when necessary.

Can a Discectomy Be Minimally Invasive?

Yes, some discectomies can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Whether this approach is appropriate depends on the location and type of disc herniation, your anatomy, and other factors.

How Long Does Recovery Take After a Discectomy?

Recovery varies from patient to patient. The surgical approach, location of the affected disc, your overall health, and the physical demands of your work and activities can all affect your recovery. Your surgeon will provide individualized instructions for gradually returning to normal activities.

Will a Discectomy Treat Back Pain or Leg Pain?

A discectomy is primarily intended to relieve symptoms caused by nerve compression. In the lumbar spine, this often means pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or leg. In the cervical spine, nerve compression may cause symptoms that travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand. The procedure does not necessarily eliminate generalized back or neck pain caused by other conditions.

Can a Disc Herniate Again After a Discectomy?

A recurrent disc herniation can occur after discectomy surgery. Your surgeon can discuss this and other potential risks as part of the informed-consent process before surgery.

What Are the Risks of Discectomy Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, discectomy has potential risks. These can include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, spinal fluid leak, recurrent disc herniation, and other complications. Your surgeon will discuss the risks, potential benefits, and alternatives based on your specific condition before surgery.

When Do Herniated Disc Symptoms Require Urgent Medical Attention?

Some neurological symptoms should be evaluated urgently. Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:

New loss of bowel or bladder control
Numbness in the groin or saddle area
Significant or rapidly worsening weakness
Severe symptoms following significant trauma

These symptoms should not wait for a routine spine appointment.