Bulging Disc – Am I a Candidate for Surgery
If you’re considering bulging disc surgery, the first thing you should do is find a trusted surgeon in your area who can evaluate your needs and help you determine if the operation is right for you. Because surgery is typically only recommended after all other options have been exhausted, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve tried any appropriate nonsurgical treatments before thinking about a more invasive procedure. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re a good candidate for surgery. This process can take some time and usually involves a careful evaluation of your specific bulging disc diagnosis, medical history, and lifestyle. Your treatment team will need to make sure that you’re healthy enough to undergo an operation. Also that you’re likely to achieve the procedure’s potential benefits.
Things a Surgeon Might Consider
When you first meet with a surgeon regarding bulging disc surgery, they may ask about:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your heart health
- Your smoking habits
- Your current activity level as compared to your desired activity level
- Your symptoms (what they are, how severe they are, and how long have you had them)
- Your past treatment history
They may also ask for copies of your imaging scans to gain a better understanding of your specific diagnosis.
Types of Bulging Disc Surgery
There are several types of surgery, including traditional and minimally invasive procedures, each of which involves a different approach to accessing the spine. Your surgeon can help you determine which option is best suited for your needs.
At BEST Health System, our minimally invasive outpatient surgeries are typically associated with shorter recovery times and lower complication rates as compared to open-neck or back operations, making them the clinically appropriate first choice in many situations. To learn more about our approach to bulging disc surgery or to find out if you’re a candidate, contact us today.
