DRX9000 Spinal Decompression

A discectomy is a surgical treatment for back pain resulting from a herniated disk. In a discectomy, the surgeon removes the center portion of the disc that is located between the vertebrae of the spine, and sometimes he or she may also remove a little piece of the vertebrae bone as well.


A discectomy may also be performed as a microdiscectomy, which requires a smaller incision and damages less tissue and leaves a smaller scar.

Generally speaking, surgical treatment for a herniated disk is the last option your doctor will try, as it is the most invasive. Before you have surgery, you and your doctor will probably try other treatment methods, such as medications, rest or limited activity, chiropractic care that may include decompression therapy, physical therapy, and cold compresses and heat compresses. It is not until other measures have been exhausted that most doctors will turn to discectomy as the treatment of choice.

If you and your doctor to decide to pursue a discectomy, either traditional or microdiscectomy, there are risks associated with it, as there are with any surgery. Most discectomies are done under general anesthesia, which has inherent risks. After the surgery, you will probably be encouraged to walk as soon as possible, but of course you will go back to your regular activities only gradually. After surgery, you can probably expect to:

• sit for short periods of time
• walk for short distances as your major form of exercise
• gradually increase the length of your walks and the amount of time you spend walking
• discontinue or avoid anything that causes pain
• swim (swimming is not a load-bearing exercise) about two or three weeks after surgery
• be out of work for about two to four weeks if your work is not laborious
• be out of work for about four to eight weeks if you have a labor-intensive job
• meet with your doctor for one or more post-surgical checks
• attend physical therapy
• do back exercises at home
• change your lifestyle if necessary to help avoid future herniated disks

Generally speaking, discectomies are successful at alleviating back pain and restoring or improving range of motion, which is the goal of the surgery, so if you have tried other methods with no relief, you and your doctor may decide that a discectomy is the best course of action for you.