Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Bulging Disc Surgery?

Amanda Barnhart
Amanda Barnhart

Bulging disc surgery is a treatment option for patients with bulging discs in the spinal column that do not respond to less invasive treatment methods. A spinal disc can squeeze out from between the vertebrae as a result of a back injury or spinal condition. While a bulging disc is not a problem in and of itself, it can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, legs, and arms.

Doctors typically treat patients with bulging discs conservatively before resorting to surgery to correct the problem. Many back problems heal on their own with rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. Back surgery is usually only considered after several months of little to no improvement, or when the disc problems are so severe that they prevent the patient from working or engaging in everyday activities.

A bulging disk can cause back pain.
A bulging disk can cause back pain.

The most common type of bulging disc surgery is a discectomy. During this, a surgeon removes a portion of the bulged disc to relieve pressure on the nerve causing the pain or weakness. Surgeons often must remove part of the vertebra above or below the bulged disc to access it adequately. Most patients require physical therapy following the procedure and it may take several months before they can fully return to physical activities.

A healthy spine and a spine with a bulging disc.
A healthy spine and a spine with a bulging disc.

While many patients experience relief from back pain and further disc problems after a discectomy, some continue to have problems with bulging discs. If a discectomy is not sufficient to correct the patient’s problem, a doctor may consider performing a different kind of disc surgery.

A lumbar fusion connects two or more vertebrae together to reduce pain from an injured disc bulging between them. Lumbar fusion is very successful at eliminating pain and other problems from a bulging disc, but it does increase the risk of weakening the discs and vertebrae above and below the fused portion. This can sometimes necessitate further surgeries. Depending on which vertebrae are fused, the patient may also lose some range of motion in the spine.

A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.

A third option for bulging disc surgery is replacing the injured disc completely. A surgeon can replace a bulged disc with a synthetic disc, which helps reduce the risk of further problems that would require therapy or surgery. Replacing a disc entirely is usually a last resort reserved for patients who continue to experience problems with bulging discs after other treatments and surgeries, or for patients whose discs have worn thin or degenerated to the point where they are no longer viable for cushioning the vertebrae.

Discussion Comments

anon1000508

I have a huge bulging disc in my lower back. It took my primary physician over a year to diagnose (thanks to an MRI). I have had two epidural injections, one helped, one made me way worse. I have a scheduled surgery in December. Until that time, I will suffer from the effects of the opioid crisis in silence and in extreme pain. Thanks a lot dope heads!

anon129161

I have one bulging disc and one worn disc and in the last year it has caused me to have constant pain when i walk. I've gone from walking normally to walking with a stick a few steps at a time because of the pain.

i feel I've been robbed of my life as i knew it. as i live in the uk i have been told to get on with it. there is nothing they can do for me which is hard to accept. i have researched a lot and would recommend you try bone therapy which has become very popular here and came highly recommended to me.

CancerKicker

I have three cervical bulging disks after a car accident last year. I had several epidural injection treatments that seemed to decrease my mobility and increase pain. I was referred to a laser surgery center and the surgeons want to use a laser to burn off the bulges, hoping that will correct the problem.

The problem I have is that this isn’t a final solution. The surgeon said this is a temporary fix to help with the pain until I have traditional surgery later in life. The procedure for each disk is $30k; is this worth the risk and money? My insurance considers it elective and wants me to stay on pain medications with physical therapy.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A bulging disk can cause back pain.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      A bulging disk can cause back pain.
    • A healthy spine and a spine with a bulging disc.
      By: Alila
      A healthy spine and a spine with a bulging disc.
    • A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
      By: iofoto
      A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
    • A bulging disc occurs when the fluid-filled disk in between vertebrae shifts out of place.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      A bulging disc occurs when the fluid-filled disk in between vertebrae shifts out of place.
    • Bulging disc surgery is a treatment used for patients whose bodies have not responded to less invasive treatments to repair the spinal column.
      By: derege
      Bulging disc surgery is a treatment used for patients whose bodies have not responded to less invasive treatments to repair the spinal column.
    • Invasive surgeries to treat a bulging disk are typically performed only as a last resort.
      By: xixinxing
      Invasive surgeries to treat a bulging disk are typically performed only as a last resort.