Lower back pain or sciatica can make it difficult for people to complete work tasks or participate in recreational activities at some point in their lives. Lower back pain can be caused by degenerative disc disease, herniated or bulging discs, muscle strain, and lumbar arthritis. A lumbar discectomy is recommended when a bulging or herniated disc causes back pain or sciatica.

A discectomy is a procedure that removes this disc. This type of surgery can be performed on any part of the spine, including the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back). There are a variety of surgical techniques and tools that can be used during the discectomy procedure. During a minimally invasive or microendoscopic procedure, a small incision is made on the skin and dilators are used to tunnel through muscles, allowing special instruments to be inserted. The recovery period for a minimally invasive procedure is usually shorter and the muscles of the back are less disrupted.

Using a minimally invasive method, a lumbar discectomy can remove herniated portions of the disc. Back pain and other symptoms caused by this treatment can seriously disrupt your life.

Formerly, open surgery was often performed for back conditions, causing more pain by cutting through muscles. Many back conditions can now be treated with this minimally invasive approach.

Dr. Ilana Etelzon is a fellowship-trained and highly experienced pain management specialist in New York City. As a pain specialist, Dr. Etelzon offers treatment options that break the cycle of pain. She strives to restore your active, pain-free life as soon as possible.

Low back pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Herniated discs are usually the result of a bulge in the cushion between two vertebrae. If you have a herniation, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Weakness
• Low back pain
• Tingling
• Sciatica nerve pain, which is pain that radiates from your lower back across the buttocks and down the leg
• A herniated disc is the most common reason for a lumbar discectomy but there are other conditions that may trigger both back and leg pain, including:
• Degenerative disc disesase
• Spinal stenosis
• Radiculopathy

You can return to an active lifestyle after a lumbar discectomy if you suffer from back and sciatica pain. Choosing Dr. Ilana Etelzon means trusting a highly experienced surgeon who can formulate a treatment plan that’s practical, effective, and personalized. Let Dr. Etelzon help you achieve better mobility and less pain by scheduling a consultation today.