Several types of back surgery can help reduce back pain. Common procedures include spinal fusion, discectomy, and disk replacement. Recovery times may depend on the extent of the procedure.

Understanding the Context

Share on ... A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher outside of the disk. This can irritate or press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness. Disk replacement, which maintains range of motion and uses metal such as titanium with a synthetic, mobile core.

Key Insights

Fusion, the traditional approach, is now performed less invasively with a smaller incision and 3D stereoscopic scopes. For patients who have surgery for cervical herniated disk, what is recovery like? Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it protrudes farther and is more likely to compress nerve roots. Causes Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration. As people age, the disks become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist.

Final Thoughts

Most people can't pinpoint the cause of their herniated disk. The purpose of the study is to identify genes that could serve as a target for early intervention and treatment for degenerative disk disease. Intervertebral disks from the cervical and lumbar spine have been retrieved from surgery and evaluated. Translational studies addressing technology for stem cell delivery are also important. Stem cell therapy for degenerative intervertebral disk disease: Q and A ... Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the damaged portion of a herniated disk in the spine.

A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher outside of the disk. This can irritate or press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness.