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More Radiculopathy Information

Radiculopathy


When Should I Consider Radiculopathy Surgery as a Treatment Option?

Surgery for radiculopathy is usually only considered if the patient has not found relief from their symptoms after 6-8 weeks of conservative treatments. In some cases, however, such as in the event of muscle weakness, radiculopathy surgery may be a necessary early treatment option for you. The main goal of surgery for radiculopathy is to decompress the compressed nerves.

What Cervical Radiculopathy Surgery Options Are Available?

The two methods of radiculopathy surgery that are most common are open procedures and minimally invasive (endoscopic) procedures. Open procedures requires a large incision, cutting and or tearing of muscle, general anesthesia, and a long recovery time. Minimally invasive procedures can be performed as a same day surgery, require only a small incision, in most cases only local anesthesia, and a much shorter recovery time because instead of cutting or tearing tissue, it is gently pushed aside.

If you and your doctor decide that minimally invasive radiculopathy surgery is the right fit for you, the two most common procedures would be an endoscopic discectomy or an endoscopic foraminotomy. Which one of these procedures is best for you depends on what condition is causing your radiculopathy.

Endoscopic Discectomy for Radiculopathy:

Endoscopic Discectomy surgery for radiculopathy may be performed if your radiculopathy is caused by a disc tear, or a herniation. An endoscopic discectomy is performed with intravenous sedation and a local anesthetic. A small tube, about the size of a pencil is inserted into the patient giving the surgeon access to the damaged section of the spine. Guided by x-ray fluoroscopy the surgeon then uses small tools to repair the damage without needing to cut or tear surrounding tissue.

An endoscopic discectomy is a same day procedure allowing the patient to leave the surgical center the same day as long as they are accompanied by a companion.

Endoscopic Foraminotomy for Radiculopathy:

Endoscopic Foraminotomy may be used to treat radiculopathy caused by degenerative diseases such as foraminal stenosis. The goal of the procedure is to widen the foramen, a small opening in the spine through which a nerve root leaves the spinal canal. A foraminotomy only requires a small incision for the surgeon to gain access to the treatment area. An endoscope is used to visualize the procedure in real time while the surgeon enlarges the area.

Are You a Candidate for Radiculopathy Surgery?

If non surgical cervical or lumbar radiculopathy treatment fails to reduce your pain and other symptoms, you may be a surgical candidate. Our simple 3 step candidacy checking tool can get you started on a path to recovery in just minutes.

Begin 3 Step Diagnosis Process

Need assistance, or for answers to any questions you have please contact us now or call (877) 272-4535.