Microdiscectomy in New Jersey
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Microdiscectomy Surgery in NJ
Microdiscectomy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed by one of our skilled spine surgeons in New Jersey to relieve nerve-root pressure caused by a herniated disc in the spine. We typically recommend this surgery when everyday activities become too difficult to perform because of nerve compression. Unlike traditional open surgeries, microdiscectomy requires only a small incision, which helps preserve muscles and soft tissue around the spine.
During this procedure, your spine doctor carefully removes the portion of the disc pressing on nearby nerves to relieve pain, numbness, or weakness, especially in the legs, that hasn’t improved with physical therapy or medication. Because microdiscectomy targets the problem disc without disrupting much of the surrounding structures, most patients recover quickly and experience significant symptom relief.
Microdiscectomy Benefits
If you have nerve pain due to a herniated disc, a microdiscectomy procedure may be the solution you need for long-term relief. This outpatient surgery offers a host of advantages for patients who haven’t found relief with conservative treatments.
Benefits of Microdiscectomy Surgery
- Rapid and significant reduction in leg and back pain
- Quicker recovery and less muscle damage compared to open surgery
- Lower risk of complications due to minimal tissue disruption
- Smaller incision with less noticeable scarring
- Restoration of your ability to move, walk, and perform daily activities
- Can often be done as an outpatient, allowing you to go home the same day
Microdiscectomy Candidates
A microdiscectomy surgery is typically considered if you’ve struggled with persistent symptoms that haven’t improved after several weeks of non-surgical care. Your spine doctor will review your health, imaging results, and medical history to confirm if this is right for you.
Microdiscectomy Surgery Candidates
- Adults with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, causing nerve pressure
- Patients with intense or radiating pain down the leg (sciatica)
- Those experiencing significant numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
- Individuals whose symptoms limit daily activities, work, or self-care
- People who haven’t found sustained relief with physical therapy, medication, or injections
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Choose Alliance Orthopedics for care that revolves around you. We listen, collaborate, and create a custom orthopedic treatment plan that fits your life, your goals, and your recovery!
Preparing for Microdiscectomy
Getting ready for your microdiscectomy can make your surgery and recovery smoother. In the days leading up to your procedure, you’ll review medications with your doctor, complete any required testing, and set up your home for a comfortable healing environment.
Patient Preparation Checklist:
- Review your medications and supplements with your surgeon
- Complete all pre-operative testing as instructed
- Stop smoking to support your recovery and reduce complications
- Follow fasting instructions before surgery
- Arrange a ride to and from the surgical center
- Prepare a recovery space at home with pillows, essentials, and easy access to items
- Stock up on light meals and hydration options
- Avoid blood-thinning medications
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery
- Write down any last-minute questions to review with your care team
How is Microdiscectomy Surgery Performed?
Microdiscectomy is performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be comfortably asleep during the entire procedure. Your spine surgeon will make a very small incision, usually just 1 to 2 centimeters, along your lower back above the herniated disc’s location. Using a surgical microscope, your doctor gently moves aside muscles and a small part of the surrounding bone (the lamina) to reach the compressed nerve. Careful retraction protects the nerve as the problematic disc fragment is removed.
Once pressure on the nerve is relieved and the area is checked, the incision is closed with tiny sutures. Microdiscectomy is designed to preserve healthy spinal tissues and minimize trauma, which allows for a smoother and quicker recovery. The whole microdiscectomy procedure typically takes one to two hours, and many patients walk around the same day of surgery.
Microdiscectomy Recovery
Most people recover quickly after a microdiscectomy. Many patients are up and walking the same day, and pain often improves within just a few days. Your spine surgeon may recommend light walking right away and gentle stretching during the first week. While you’ll need to avoid bending, twisting, and heavy lifting for several weeks, many patients return to desk-based work within two to four weeks. Physical therapy may be recommended to rebuild strength and flexibility. As healing progresses, most normal activities gradually resume, and scarring is typically minimal. Follow-up visits with your surgeon help ensure you’re healing well and give you a chance to address any post-surgery questions.
What to Expect After Microdiscectomy Surgery
After a microdiscectomy, most patients notice a significant reduction in nerve-related pain, along with gradual improvement in numbness or weakness as healing begins. Mild soreness or tenderness at the incision site is normal and typically fades over time. Many patients are able to stop or significantly reduce pain medications within days or weeks after surgery.
Microdiscectomy Surgery FAQs
A microdiscectomy procedure usually takes about one to two hours. Many patients have the surgery on an outpatient basis, meaning you can often go home the same day.
Most people feel improvement in nerve pain, such as leg discomfort or sciatica, within days of surgery. Numbness and weakness may take longer to resolve, depending on how compressed the nerve was and for how long. Full results can be assessed over several weeks as inflammation subsides.
Physical therapy isn’t always required, but it can boost your recovery by helping restore flexibility, strength, and spine alignment. Your spine specialist will recommend a personalized recovery plan based on your progress and functional needs.
Recovery is on track if you can gradually increase activities without a return of leg or back pain, your mobility and energy are returning, and the incision is healing normally. Your care team will monitor for any changes during your scheduled follow-up appointments.
Why Choose Alliance Orthopedics?
Preparing for a microdiscectomy can feel stressful, but at Alliance Orthopedics, we make sure you never feel alone. From your first visit, our team listens to your concerns, explains your options, and walks you through what to expect every step of the way.
Before surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss your personalized plan. You’ll learn about the procedure, recovery timeline, and how to manage pain and activity safely. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and confident heading into surgery.
On surgery day, our skilled team ensures you’re comfortable and supported. After the procedure, your recovery is guided with physical therapy and ongoing check-ins to monitor your progress. We adjust your plan as needed, helping you regain strength, flexibility, and independence safely.
Every part of your care is designed with your comfort and long-term spine health in mind. With Alliance Orthopedics, you’re supported by a team that helps you reduce pain, move more comfortably, and get back to your life sooner.
Spine Surgeons in New Jersey
If back or spine pain is holding you back, our board-certified spine surgeons in New Jersey are ready to help. From non-surgical back pain treatment to surgery, we focus on treatments that meet your needs and goals. With minimally invasive procedures, such as a microdiscectomy, you can expect shorter recovery times and better results with fewer complications.
Orthopedic Clinics in New Jersey
At our New Jersey orthopedic clinics, you’re more than a patient; you’re part of a team focused on getting you moving and getting better every day. We offer everything from physical therapy and injections to spine surgery, including minimally invasive options, such as microdiscectomy surgery, at our locations in Fair Lawn, Bloomfield, Old Bridge, Middletown, Freehold, and Union.
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