Understanding Microdiscectomy and Discectomy Surgery
6/27/2025
Advanced Spine Care at USMD Hospital at Arlington
A herniated or bulging disc can disrupt every part of your daily life – whether you’re experiencing back or neck pain while sitting at your desk, standing for long periods, or simply relaxing. When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. Two common surgical options for treating back or neck pain are discectomy and microdiscectomy.
Surgery is usually the last resort when it comes to treating neck or back conditions. But when it’s needed, the skilled spine surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington perform these procedures using the latest surgical techniques.
What is a Discectomy/Microdiscectomy?
A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of a spinal disc that is compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord is removed. The goal of the procedure is to relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or arms.
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive variation of a discectomy, performed through a smaller incision using specialized instruments.
“Microdiscectomy achieves the same goal as discectomy—removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on a nerve—while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues,” said Jacob Rosenstein, M.D., Chief neurosurgeon on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington with over forty years experience. “Both surgeries are highly effective, but microdiscectomy is typically preferred when feasible because it generally offers the patient a quicker recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort.”
Conditions Treated with Discectomy/Microdiscectomy
Most commonly, this type of surgery is recommended to treat herniated discs that are compressing spinal nerves, including lumbar (lower back) disc herniation, causing back pain and sciatica (leg pain) and cervical (neck disc herniation that causes neck or arm pain or weakness.
However, they can also be effective for other spine conditions, including:
- Bulging discs not responding to conservative treatment
- Disc fragments pressing on the spinal cord or nerves
- Degenerative disc disease with nerve impingement
Surgeons usually don’t recommend surgery unless more conservative, non-surgical treatments (such as physical therapy, medication or steroid injections) have been tried but failed to provide relief.
“Typically, we recommend these procedures for patients who are experiencing severe, persistent pain that’s affecting their quality of life,” said Dr. Rosenstein. “These symptoms may include pain that radiates down the arms or legs, numbness, tingling or weakness. In severe cases, patients may experience loss of function in their limbs and bladder.”
How Are the Procedures Performed?
Both discectomy and microdiscectomy are typically performed under general anesthesia and take about 1 to 2 hours.
Imaging is used to pinpoint the location of the affected disc and nerve. A state-of-the-art operating microscope is used during the surgery to provide magnified visualization of the disc and surrounding tissues.
The surgeon starts the procedure by making a small incision in the back, directly over the affected disc. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon retracts the muscles and tissues, creating space to access the disc. With tubular microdiscectomy, a series of small tubes are inserted through the incision to create a tunnel to the disc.
Next, the herniated disc material is carefully removed, using specialized tools to decompress the nerve root, which relieves pressure and allows for healing.
Finally, the incision is closed with sutures and a bandage. In many cases, the patient may be discharged the same day or the next morning.
Why Choose USMD Hospital at Arlington?
USMD Hospital at Arlington is known for its patient-first approach to spine care. The surgeons on our medical staff are leaders in the field, with extensive experience in both traditional and minimally invasive spinal surgery. Our team uses the latest tools, including robotic and navigation systems, to deliver the safe and effective care.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’ve been struggling with chronic back or neck pain or numbness and tingling in your arms or legs—and conservative treatments haven’t worked—it may be time to consider a microdiscectomy or discectomy. The spine specialists on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your surgical options and how they can provide faster, safer and more effective relief.