Lumbar Discectomy

Herniated (protruding) discs of the lumbar (lower back) vertebrae can put pressure on nerves, often causing pain in the back and legs. Surgery may be recommended for patients who have experienced pain for an extended periods of time and have not responded to nonsurgical treatments.

In many cases, the condition can be treated successfully by removing only the herniated portion of the disc. Our providers use a minimally invasive technique that enables the disc to be accessed and removed through a small incision in the back. To expose the disc, a small window is made in the lamina, the arch of bone on the back side of each vertebrae that helps protect the spinal column and spinal nerves. The herniated portion of the disc is then extracted, relieving nerves in the area of pressure and irritation.