Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation: Micro-Surgical Treatment Methods
Lumbar and cervical disc herniation is one of the biggest health issues today. When a patient arrives at our clinic, we first perform a physical examination and then request MR imaging to evaluate the location of the herniation and its relationship with the nerve root and spinal cord.
If there is no acute condition causing significant pressure, such as muscle weakness or urinary incontinence, we prefer to consult with the patient and initially opt for non-surgical treatment methods. Our clinic has a GETAT (Traditional Complementary Medicine) unit certified by the Ministry of Health in six branches (acupuncture, ozone therapy, prolotherapy, mesotherapy, leech therapy, cupping). Generally, there is a 1-2% probability that all cases of lower back pain are due to a herniated disc.
Approximately 90-95% of patients with lumbar and cervical disc herniation can recover using medical and physical therapy methods. About 5-10% of patients require surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatment Methods:
- Epidural Injection
- Prolotherapy, Neural Therapy, Pain Mesotherapy
- Acupuncture, Ozone Therapy, Medication, and Physical Therapy
By utilizing these treatment methods, we aim to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms, increase blood flow to the affected area, reduce swelling in the nerve, and promote the absorption of fluid from the herniated disc. If the patient does not respond to medical treatment and surgical indications arise, we recommend surgery. The surgery is performed using the micro-surgical discectomy method, which is the gold standard for herniated discs.
Micro-Surgical Disc Herniation Surgery
Micro-surgical disc herniation surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia through a small incision (approximately 1.5-2 cm) without damaging surrounding tissue. The herniated disc is safely removed under a microscope. Because the procedure works in a very small area, the patient can walk and be discharged within 12 hours. Post-operative pain at the surgery site is minimal. The high success rate and safety make it one of the most widely accepted and preferred methods worldwide. We perform all our surgeries using the micro-surgical technique.
Use of Plates, Screws, and Metal Reinforcements in Disc Herniation Treatment
Plated screw surgeries are frequently questioned. These surgeries restrict the movement of the spinal joint, leading to “adjacent segment disease” over time. The increased load on the segments above and below the fixed area can cause wear and disease in those joints. They are not suitable for body structure. While they may be preferred to prevent re-herniation, they can create problems in the long term, such as screw loosening, breaking, infections, weakness in the back muscles, and chronic back pain. This method is generally not preferred, but it may be used in necessary cases when no alternatives are available.
First Diagnosis
With a holistic approach that includes functional medicine, functional nutrition, chronic inflammation, and a comprehensive perspective, we apply the same care we show to our families to our patients, particularly concerning all types of pain and especially back pain.