Lower back · Decompression
Lumbar Microdiscectomy
A minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve — one of the most common surgeries for sciatica.
Overview
What is Lumbar Microdiscectomy?
When part of a lumbar disc pushes out and presses on a nerve root, it can cause sharp leg pain, numbness or weakness — commonly called sciatica. A microdiscectomy removes only the disc fragment causing the pressure.
Using magnification and a small incision, the healthy part of the disc is left in place and the surrounding muscles are protected.
Conditions it may treat
Medicare, PPO, private insurance, workers’ comp & cash accepted →
How it works
The procedure, step by step
Step 1
Evaluation
An MRI confirms which disc and nerve are involved.
Step 2
Small incision
A small incision is made over the affected level.
Step 3
Disc fragment removed
Under magnification, the herniated portion is removed to free the nerve.
Step 4
Recovery
Walking begins soon after, with a gradual return to activity.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Less disruption.
A quicker return to life.
Microdiscectomy is itself a minimally invasive procedure — a small incision and muscle-sparing approach designed to reduce recovery time.
Conservative first
A Conservative Approach to Spine Care
Dr. Record believes that surgery is not necessarily the first step for every patient. Whenever appropriate, she works with patients to explore non-operative and conservative treatment options first.
When conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief — or when a patient would like to understand whether surgery may be appropriate — Dr. Record provides a comprehensive discussion of available surgical options.
Her goal is to identify the treatment approach that can help alleviate pain, restore function, and help patients return to the activities that matter to them.
FAQ
Questions about Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Don’t see your question? Call (213) 876-8670.
Will a microdiscectomy fix my back pain or my leg pain?
It is designed mainly to relieve leg pain caused by a pinched nerve. Back pain may also improve, but leg symptoms are the primary target.
Can the disc herniate again?
Re-herniation can occur in a small number of patients. Dr. Record will review ways to lower that risk during recovery.
Will I have imaging done at the office?
No. There are no X-rays in-house. When needed, Dr. Record orders X-rays, MRI, CT scans, nerve testing or lab work through outside facilities and reviews the results with you.
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
Dr. Record accepts Medicare, workers’ compensation, PPO plans and a variety of private insurance plans, plus cash payments. Many procedures need pre-authorization — our team will help check your coverage before surgery.
Leave sciatica behind
See if a minimally invasive microdiscectomy could relieve your leg pain.