Discectomy
The tough outer layer of a disc tears or weakens, causing pain going down the leg (sciatica) although it can cause some back pain.
Alternative Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment
This is often worth pursuing, at least initially. Analgesia and anti-inflammatory tablets can help you cope with the symptoms while physiotherapy may help to free up the nerve root and will keep your back reasonably strong.
Lumbar Epidural
An epidural injection of steroid and local anaesthetic can be helpful in the early stages, reducing some of the inflammatory changes affecting the nerve root and thus helping sciatic symptoms to settle. An epidural can be thought of as being like the fast forward button on a DVD player. It doesn't particularly affect the ending of the film, but can get you there faster. If your sciatic symptoms are going to settle of their own accord, or maybe are already showing signs of doing so, then an epidural may improve things more quickly. On the other hand, if things aren't going to get better, or if you have already reached the end as far as natural resolution, then an epidural won't change things for the better. An epidural is unlikely to help if symptoms have been present for more than a few weeks.
Dynamic Stabilization
If you have had a lot of trouble with back pain before, or in addition to, your sciatica it may be appropriate to consider providing some support to the part of the spine affected. This can be provided through the various techniques of dynamic stabilization. The Wallis® technique is often the most suitable and can be undertaken as a relatively simple addition to the discectomy procedure.
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In memory of Nick Boeree
Following the sudden death of Nick Boeree we have set up a tribute page to allow you to share your memories, thoughts, and feelings. Click here.
I was quite sure, when I came along to the clinic, that I was headed for surgery. I’d tried various things in the past and had even gone through physiotherapy, or so I thought! The regime I went through in The Spine Clinic took this to an entirely different level. And what a difference it has made!
Mark Maskey
