Can you become paralyzed from herniated disc surgery?

Herniated disc surgery can sometimes cause numbness or weakness in one or both legs. Paralysis is one of the rarest of all potential complications (1 in 10,000) of herniated disc surgery. While extremely rare, paralysis or nerve injuries can occur due to damage to the spinal column during the operation.

Can you climb stairs after herniated disc surgery?

While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery. You can go upstairs in the couple weeks following surgery, but it’s best to limit stairs to once or twice a day in the first few weeks.

Are you awake for herniated disc surgery?

You will receive a local anesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. And you will still be awake. Or you may have general anesthesia and sleep through the procedure. A healthcare provider will carefully watch your vital signs during the procedure.

Is herniated disc surgery worth it?

But disc surgery is faster and works better for bad pain, a large U.S. study finds. The study shows that patients with a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc — what doctors call a herniated disc –won’t get worse or become paralyzed if they don’t have surgery. Instead, they can expect to get better over time.

Is surgery a last resort for herniated disc?

Most herniated discs do not require surgery and typically improve with time. Surgery is therefore a last resort treatment after other options like oral steroids, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and even corticosteroid injections may have proven ineffective.

What happens if you don’t get surgery for a herniated disc?

In severe cases, people with a herniated disc may require surgery if more conservative treatments fail to improve their symptoms. If allowed to go untreated, a herniated disc can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.

How do you wash your hair after spinal surgery?

Use a hand-held shower to wash your hair. Or bend at the knees and hips under the showerhead to avoid arching your back. To avoid bending, use a long-handled scrub brush. Use liquid soap so you don’t need to pick up a dropped bar of soap.

Should I Opt for surgery for a painful disc herniation?

Opting for surgery depends on the patient’s diagnosis as well as personal preferences. Surgery for a painful disc herniation is recommended for patients who have attempted medical treatments for back pain or neck pain for at least 2 months.

How is a herniated disc surgery performed?

The surgeon will access the disc through an incision in your back (or neck). When possible, your surgeon will use a smaller incision and special instruments to achieve the same results.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is one that extends beyond the capsule containing it and pushes into the spinal canal. You can have a herniated disc anywhere along your spine, even in your neck, but it’s most likely to occur in the lower back (lumbar vertebrae).

How is a damaged spinal disc replaced?

The damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc made from plastic and metal. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. General anesthesia is required for spinal fusion. In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together. This may be accomplished with bone grafts from another part of your body or from a donor.