HomeAnswersOrthopedician and Traumatologydiscectomy

Is it advisable to get surgery for slipped disc?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am an 18-year-old girl and I have a slipped or bulged disk in my lower back. I have had this injury going on for four months. I have been through physical therapy and that did not work. My doctor was talking to me about surgery. So I researched and found a surgery where they go in and cut the disk off that is bulging out. It is an open discectomy I believe. I was wondering what the risks are. Could I possibly get paralyzed? Are there any cases of getting paralyzed? How long would I be off my feet?
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Jain

Education:

MRCS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pankaj Jain is an orthopedician and traumatologist specializing in joint replacement surgeries, fracture management, and complex trauma care. He also has expertise in arthroscopic procedures and the rehabilitation of sports injuries. He is committed to providing comprehensive care that restores mobility and improves patient outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Surgery for a bulging disc is only indicated if the pain in the back is severe and not relieved by physiotherapy, then you need fusion surgery or if you have moderate to severe leg pain because of nerve compression causing decreased mobility, then you need discectomy. Chances of getting paralysis after surgery are very low may be around 1 in 100 but other smaller problems after surgery are common. So, if the pain is bad and is affecting your day-to-day activities then only you should think of surgery.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At September 28, 2019
Reviewed At January 30, 2024

Education:

MRCS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pankaj Jain is an orthopedician and traumatologist specializing in joint replacement surgeries, fracture management, and complex trauma care. He also has expertise in arthroscopic procedures and the rehabilitation of sports injuries. He is committed to providing comprehensive care that restores mobility and improves patient outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Pankaj Jain
Dr. Pankaj Jain

Orthopedician and Traumatology

Education:

MRCS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pankaj Jain is an orthopedician and traumatologist specializing in joint replacement surgeries, fracture management, and complex trauma care. He also has expertise in arthroscopic procedures and the rehabilitation of sports injuries. He is committed to providing comprehensive care that restores mobility and improves patient outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Will you recommend fusion surgery for disc extrusion?

What does abutment of the nerve root mean?

There is no improvement in my back pain. Does it indicate disc problem?

Is operation of disc necessary or can it be done by exercise?

I am diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy and have tingling sensation in my fingers. Why is it so?

Is it possible to improve muscle strength that is affected due to nerve damage?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

discectomydisc bulgeslipped disk

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Orthopedician and Traumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.