The most frequently asked questions about disc surgery

Questions and answers about disc surgery

What exactly is a herniated disc?

The intervertebral disc sits between the vertebrae and cushions the impact on the joints. With age, the spine wears down. In the case of a herniated disc, the soft discs protrude from their natural covering and press on the adjacent nerves. Patients feel this pressure as pain. Because the intervertebral discs are also responsible for the mobility of the spine, a herniated disc can also lead to restrictions in movement.

Does every herniated disc have to be treated surgically?

Spine therapy has a wide range of therapies for the treatment of back problems. The majority of herniated discs can be treated with physiotherapy. The therapist relaxes the muscles. The vertebrae get into the right position and the pressure on the nerve decreases. Medication to treat pain is also conceivable. The patient can move more easily, allowing the vertebrae to assume their natural position.

When is disc surgery necessary?

A surgical procedure makes sense if the patient suffers from severe pain and can only move the limbs to a limited extent. Nationwide, more than 100,000 disc operations are performed annually. Spine therapy knows both open surgery and minimally invasive surgical procedures. dr Schubert has developed an endoscopic procedure at the APEX SPINE Center that is unparalleled in modern spinal therapy.

In the minimally invasive procedure, four small incisions are made through which the surgical instruments and the endoscope are inserted. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. This procedure puts much less strain on the patient's heart and circulatory system. With almost 10,000 endoscopic interventions, the APEX SPINE CENTER has the greatest experience worldwide. All operations in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae can be performed with this procedure.

What are the risks of an endoscopic procedure?

Certainly, every surgical procedure is associated with a risk. That is why the operation in spinal therapy is always the last resort to restore the patient's freedom of movement. However, the minimally invasive endoscopic procedure is gentle on the patient. In classic open surgery, bruising and wound pain can occur after the operation, but these problems do not exist in endoscopic surgery! The well-known dangers of an increased risk of infection, limitations in nerve and muscle functions or paralysis are almost impossible and were taken into account by Dr. Schubert has never been observed.

What are the advantages of local anesthesia in disc surgery?

The great advantage of a local anesthetic is that the vital functions of the patient are only slightly affected. At the beginning of the procedure, the patient receives an intravenous drip, which induces a feeling of satisfaction and relaxation. During the procedure, the patient breathes independently the whole time and does not have to be artificially ventilated, as is usually the case. The patient is fully conscious again just a few moments after the procedure.

How long do I have to rest after a disc operation?

Patients are able to move within an hour or two after an endoscopic procedure. In the case of interventions in the cervical spine area, the wound is protected by a cervical collar. Patients can get out of bed on their own on the same day. After about two weeks, you can perform special exercises with the help of a physiotherapist. You will be able to work again no later than four weeks after the operation.

When can I start exercising again after disc surgery?

Patients can resume light exercise just six weeks after the endoscopic procedure. It is important that the spine is not exposed to excessive pressure. Water aerobics, slow jogging or cycling are possible, for example.