The vertebrae of the spine are separated by a gelatinous matter called the disc, which prevents the vertebrae from rubbing against each other.
With age or injuries, the gelatinous matter may come out of its place or the disc may rupture. This is a herniated disc, as pressure occurs on the nerve roots and thus the patient feels pain in the back or leg.
In herniated disc surgery, the slipped part of the disc pressing on the nerve roots is removed, which results in pain relief.
Surgery for a herniated disc becomes necessary if the patient begins to have difficulty standing or walking, or if the pain spreads to the arms, chest, or legs to the point that it is unbearable, or when neurological symptoms appear, such as a feeling of numbness or paresthesias (tingling) in the extremities and intolerance to touch. At that time, surgical intervention is the best option.
