About this topic
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. These bones are lined up on top of each other. In between the bones there are discs. They have a spongy middle and act like shock absorbers. Sometimes, one or more of the discs move from the correct place. This is called a herniated disc. If this happens, your doctor may want to remove all or part of the disc. This surgery is an intervertebral discectomy. If the disc is putting pressure on your spinal nerves, the doctor may suggest this surgery as well. ‚
An intervertebral discectomy could be done in a few different ways. Talk to your doctor about the best surgery for you. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may give you drugs for pain. Be sure to take them as ordered.
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress that supports your back and legs.
- When sleeping, practice good posture. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees. Use a moderately thick pillow under your head to keep the shape of your spine.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on your skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- Take a few short walks each day. Slowly build up the time you walk each time.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can delay healing in your back.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Your doctor will remove your brace a few days after your surgery.
- An x-ray test may be taken to make sure that your bone is fully healed.
- You may also need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- Your activity may be limited for a while. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- You should be able to begin short walks right away.
- Avoid bending and twisting your back.
- Avoid pushing and pulling.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding or bruising
- Limited movement of arms or legs
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- More disc problems
- Heart attack or stroke
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Keep a healthy weight to avoid putting too much stress on your spine.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine or not able to pass urine.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Very bad pain
- Sudden breathing problems or chest pain
- Weakness or numbness
- Problem with walking, standing, or moving
- Problem passing urine or loss of bowel or bladder control
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain; weakness or numbness; or problems walking, standing, or moving.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00597 ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slipped-disc/pages/treatment.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚