What is a Bulging Disc
A bulging disc is a condition that develops when the tough outer layer of a disc weakens as a result of age-related degeneration. This causes the gel-like center of the disc to bulge out. If the bulging disc pinches a nerve root or spinal cord, it can cause symptoms. These include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness at the source of compression.
In the event that several weeks or months of conservative treatments like pain medication, physical therapy, and chiropractic care are not effective in relieving the symptoms associated with this condition, bulging disc surgery can be used to fix the pain and discomfort experienced. To learn about the surgical options available for relief, read the following article.
Types of Surgery
If you require bulging disc surgery to manage your condition, there are two options available. These options are traditional open spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. Traditional open spine surgery is a highly invasive procedure. A surgeon uses a large 6 to 8-inch incision that cuts or tears the surrounding muscles to access the spine. Patients also stay in the hospital for two to five days resulting in a lengthy recovery period. This recovery can range from six months to a year as well as a high risk of infection and complications.
On the other hand, minimally invasive bulging disc surgery, like the procedures at BEST Health System is a safer and more effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery. The procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, using a less than 1-inch incision that does not unnecessarily disrupt the muscles or ligaments surrounding the spine. Furthermore, minimally invasive surgery has no lenthy recovery and carries a lower risk of infection and complication compared to traditional open spine surgery.
How BEST Health System Can Help
At BEST Health System, we are the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. Our minimally invasive procedures and muscle sparing techniques can provide you with the relief you need. To fix a bulging disc, our board-certified surgeons will remove part of the bulging disc that is compressing a nerve root or spinal cord, thereby relieving the symptoms associated with this condition. Find out if you are a potential candidate for our bulging disc surgery today by reaching out to our dedicated team. We can help guide you on your journey to wellness.
