A herniated disc is a condition that can happen anywhere along the spine but usually affects the lower back. While herniated discs are common, they can cause a lot of pain and disrupt your daily life. It is important to find the right treatment plan that addresses the root of the problem and makes you feel more comfortable.

So, how does a herniated disc happen, and can a procedure like an endoscopic discectomy help with the pain? When you visit the professionals at Preston Surgery Center, we can assess your discomfort and compare treatment options in Frisco, TX. Contact our trusted board-certified surgeons and specialists about endoscopic spinal surgery.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a painful condition that occurs in your spine, which is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. Soft discs in between the vertebrae act as cushions and hold the bones of the spine in place. They also allow you to bend and stretch out your back safely. Unfortunately, these discs can weaken over time or become damaged due to overuse or injury. The soft center then pushes out of the disc. A ruptured disc or slipped disc can become a problem when it pushes against a nerve, causing mild to severe pain.

How does a herniated disc happen?

So, how does a herniated disc happen in the first place? This condition is sometimes the result of:

• Normal wear and tear: Your discs may not be as flexible as they once were.

• Repetitive movements: Some work or lifestyle habits place unneeded stress on the spine and weaken the area.

• Lifting heavy objects: Improper lifting techniques can place unnecessary strain on your back and spine.

• Injury: Trauma from a car accident or other high-impact injury can damage your discs.

• Obesity: Some people carry more weight in their back or spine due to their heavy size.

How is a herniated disc diagnosed?

If you suffer from back discomfort, Preston Surgery Center will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform an examination. We will check you for symptoms, such as weakness and numbness, reflexes changes, and pain. If you have a family history of pain, or recently suffered trauma to the spine, please inform a member of our team in Frisco, TX. Imaging services are usually ordered to take pictures of your spine and confirm a diagnosis. If we believe it is necessary, we could order an endoscopic discectomy or endoscopic spinal surgery.

Endoscopic discectomy

An endoscopic discectomy is an excellent way to address a herniated disc. Preston Surgery Center performs this procedure in our outpatient surgery center while patients are under general anesthesia. To begin, we create a very small incision and insert a tube to access the affected disc. This technique allows us to cause the least amount of damage to the surrounding areas. We then use microsurgical instruments to remove a portion of the disc. The incisions from an endoscopic discectomy are so small that there is no need for sutures afterward.

Schedule endoscopic spinal surgery

Back pain affects almost everyone, but it should not prevent you from enjoying everyday activities. When home treatments are not working to make you feel better, you should seek the help of a medical professional. The fellowship-trained surgeons and specialists at Preston Surgery Center are proud to offer an option that prevents you from having to undergo more invasive options for a herniated disc. Contact our clinic in Frisco, TX to learn about the benefits of endoscopic spinal surgery.