Cervical and lumbar herniated disc surgery

A herniated disc occurs when a fragment of an intervertebral disc shifts and compresses a nerve root. In the lumbar spine, it causes the classic sciatica or femoral neuralgia; in the cervical spine, arm pain (cervicobrachial neuralgia). Surgery is considered when the pain resists well-conducted medical treatment, or in the event of a neurological deficit. The operation consists of freeing the compressed nerve root by removing the disc fragment responsible. In the lumbar spine, it is performed through a short posterior approach, under the operating microscope, with maximum preservation of the muscles. In the cervical spine, the approach is most often through the front of the neck, with placement of an intervertebral implant replacing the removed disc. Relief of limb pain is usually rapid, sometimes as soon as the patient wakes up. Recovery is aided by early mobilization and simple postural advice. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, herniated disc surgery is performed under the operating microscope by an experienced neurosurgical team, with a short hospital stay and attentive support throughout convalescence.