How to Avoid a Diskectomy?

At Pain Specialists of Frisco, we understand the discomfort and challenges that come with a herniated disc—sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc. Our team is highly experienced in both diagnosing and managing herniated discs. While surgical procedures such as a diskectomy can be effective in certain situations, many patients benefit from non-surgical treatment plans tailored to their specific symptoms and lifestyle.

If your herniated disc is causing mild to moderate symptoms that do not include severe or progressive neurological deficits—such as significant muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or debilitating pain—conservative management is typically recommended as the first step. We offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical options, which may include:

• Medications: To reduce pain and inflammation
• Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on posture, activity modifications, and ergonomic improvements
• Epidural Injections: Targeted pain relief to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve

Most patients experience significant improvement within six to twelve weeks using these non-surgical methods. Our physicians will carefully monitor your progress to ensure your symptoms are improving and that there are no signs of worsening nerve involvement.

Managing a herniated disk often involves a combination of treatments, and for many, significant relief can be found through conservative, non-surgical methods. While a diskectomy may be necessary in some cases, lifestyle changes can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms and potentially avoiding surgery.

The Role of Lifestyle Modifications
Incorporating specific lifestyle changes into your daily routine can dramatically improve the health of your spine. Regular physical activity, particularly core-strengthening and flexibility exercises, is key. A strong core supports the spine, reduces pressure on the herniated disk, and helps manage pain. A physical therapist can guide you in creating a safe and effective exercise program.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial. Excess weight places additional stress on the lower back and can worsen disk-related pain. Additionally, practicing good posture—whether sitting, standing, or lifting—helps relieve pressure on the spine.

Other Important Adjustments
• Quitting smoking is a vital step, as smoking can reduce blood flow to spinal tissues, slowing down the body’s natural healing process.
• Proper body mechanics are essential. Learning how to lift objects correctly and being mindful of repetitive motions can help prevent further injury.
• Physical therapy is a cornerstone of conservative care. A physical therapist can create an individualized program that includes stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic activities to improve spinal health and function over time.

When Surgery Is Necessary
While these lifestyle changes can be highly effective, surgery may still be the best option if you experience severe pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. A healthcare professional can monitor your progress and help you determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation.

A discectomy is a commonly performed surgery to address nerve compression from a herniated disc. While every surgical procedure carries some risk, discectomy is widely considered safe and effective, particularly when performed by skilled specialists, such as those at Pain Specialists of Frisco.

When considering a discectomy, it’s important to understand both the general and specific risks:

• General surgical risks: These include infection, bleeding, and rare reactions to anesthesia.
• Risks specific to discectomy: These may involve nerve injury (causing numbness or weakness), leakage of cerebrospinal fluid if the protective covering of the spinal cord is affected, or recurrence of disc herniation at the same site, which could require future surgery.

Fortunately, serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 5% of cases based on national clinical studies. Our experienced team in Frisco follows rigorous safety protocols to minimize your risk.

Expected Outcomes
Most of our patients see significant improvement in leg pain (sciatica) following a discectomy, with many able to return to their normal activities more quickly. While some patients may continue to have some back discomfort, the risk of long-term disability is low, especially with dedicated postoperative rehabilitation—something our team will guide you through every step of the way.

Personalized Care 
Every patient is unique. Risk factors such as age, underlying health conditions (like diabetes or obesity), smoking history, or previous spinal surgeries can influence the potential for complications. That’s why, at Pain Specialists of Frisco, we take the time to thoroughly review your medical history, discuss your individual risks, and answer all your questions before proceeding.

If you’re struggling with persistent pain from a herniated disc, our experienced providers are here to help you weigh the risks and benefits of all available treatment options, including diskectomy.

A diskectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving symptoms caused by a herniated or damaged intervertebral disc. While it can be highly effective, it is not the right solution for every patient with back pain.

Before a diskectomy is considered, a healthcare provider will typically recommend a course of conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or epidural steroid injections. Surgery is generally reserved for those who have not found significant relief after several weeks or months of non-surgical management.

Key Factors for Candidacy
A patient who primarily experiences back pain without significant radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg (a condition known as radiculopathy) may not be a good candidate for a diskectomy. The procedure is most effective for individuals with clear signs of nerve impingement, where symptoms like pain or numbness travel down the leg and can be traced to a specific nerve root.

Certain patients may be deemed unsuitable for a diskectomy due to underlying health conditions or the nature of their spinal issue. These include individuals with:

• Spinal instability
• Spinal infections or tumors
• Severe osteoporosis
• Medical conditions that increase surgical risk (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart or lung disease, or bleeding disorders)
• Inability to tolerate anesthesia

A healthcare provider will carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. If a diskectomy is not the right option, there are many other non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments available to help manage pain and improve quality of life.

Dr. Mahesh Mohan, MD, at Pain Specialists of Frisco, offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing chronic back pain, including those requiring a diskectomy. With over 25 years of experience in orthopedic surgery, physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management, Dr. Mohan provides personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. He utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary approach to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include non-surgical options or surgical intervention when necessary.

At Pain Specialists of Frisco, Dr. Mohan and his team offer a range of treatments for disk-related pain, including epidural injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and regenerative medicine therapies. These non-surgical options aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, Dr. Mohan provides surgical interventions such as diskectomy, carefully considering each patient’s condition and recovery goals. His commitment to patient-centered care ensures that individuals receive the most effective and appropriate treatment for their specific situation.

If you are struggling with back or leg pain, contact us or schedule a consultation at Pain Specialists of Frisco to explore your options and get expert guidance on the best treatment plan for you. We serve patients from Frisco, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Prosper TX, Plano TX, and Dallas Metro Area.