Discectomy 

A discectomy is a surgery used to remove all or part of a damaged spinal disc that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. Unlike spinal fusion, which joins bones together, a discectomy is a decompression surgery. Its goal is to ease pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs by removing the pressure on the nerve.

• Accessing the Spine: The surgeon makes a small incision over the affected part of the spine, most often in the lower back.
• Clearing the Path: The muscles are gently moved aside. In many cases, a small part of the bone over the nerve, called the lamina, is removed. This step is called a laminotomy and helps the surgeon reach the pinched nerve.
• Removing the Disc Material: The surgeon carefully moves the nerve aside and removes only the part of the disc that has bulged or broken off. The healthy part of the disc stays in place to keep cushioning the spine.Common

• Microdiscectomy: This is the most common approach. The surgeon uses a microscope and very small tools through a tiny incision, often less than an inch. This can mean less damage to nearby muscles and a quicker recovery.
• Endoscopic Discectomy: This is a less invasive option. The surgeon uses a small tube with a camera to remove the disc fragment through a very small opening.
• Open Discectomy: This is the traditional method and uses a larger incision. It is usually used for more complex cases or when more than one disc needs treatment.

Discectomies are often used to treat sciatica or radiculopathy, which is pain that travels down the leg or arm. Common causes include:

• Herniated or ruptured discs: This happens when the soft center of a disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer.
• Nerve compression: This occurs when other treatments, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicine, or steroid injections, do not relieve severe nerve pain or worsening muscle weakness.

• Hospital Stay: This is usually an outpatient surgery, so most people go home the same day.
• Pain Relief: Pain in the arm or leg often improves right away after surgery, though numbness or tingling may take weeks to go away as the nerve heals.
• Activity Limits: Walking is usually allowed right away, but heavy lifting, twisting, and long periods of sitting should be avoided for the first 2 to 4 weeks. This gives the disc time to heal and helps lower the chance of another herniation.