Lumbar Discectomy

A lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve. When conservative treatments don’t improve symptoms, this procedure removes the portion of the disc causing nerve irritation to relieve pain and restore function.

back to surgery guide

    • A disc sits between each vertebra, and sometimes part of the disc can herniate and press on a nerve

    • This surgery removes only the portion of the disc that has herniated

    • Less than 5% of the disc is typically removed

    • Done under general anesthesia

    • A small incision (about 1 inch) is made in the lower back

    • A minimally invasive retractor and microscope are used

    • A small amount of bone and ligament is removed to access the nerve

    • The herniated disc fragment is removed, relieving pressure on the nerve

    • Patients typically go home the same day

    • First 4–6 weeks: Gradually and mindfully increase activity

    • Most patients return to normal activity by 6 weeks

    • Even higher-level activities and sports can typically resume around this time

    • 85–90% of patients experience significant pain relief

    • Relief often comes from removing pressure on the nerve

    • Most patients return to their normal lifestyle relatively quickly

    • Small risk of spinal fluid leak (less than 2%)

    • Rare risk of nerve injury

    • Possible fluid collection after surgery (very uncommon)

    • About 10% of patients may experience a re-herniation of the disc

      • This can often be treated if it occurs

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  • Surgery Explained

    By relieving pressure on the nerve and restoring movement, this surgery helps you return to a more active, comfortable lif

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  • What Is a Disc Herniation?

    A lumbar disc herniation occurs when part of the disc in the lower back pushes out and presses on a nerve.

    Watch Now

  • Summit Rounds

    At a multi-disciplinary Rounds, Dr. John Edwards explains when surgery is the right option and how it helps patients get back to moving and living with less pain.

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  • Lumbar Discectomy

    Discover how a minimally invasive discectomy relieves severe nerve compression. Dr. John Edwards explains the diagnosis, surgery, and recovery of this successful case.

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Patient Stories

Summit Stories — Dean Judd

Meet Dean — A wonderful community member, owner of Gurus restaurant in Provo, UT and an avid yoga practitioner and teacher for over a decade. Dean found himself struggling with severe back pain. After years of adapting his yoga to avoid back the pain, Dean faced a tough decision when the pain returned: undergo a discectomy.

His journey is a powerful testament to the importance of mindful practice, the courage to seek help, and the strength to heal. Join Dean as he shares his path to wellness, proving it's never too late to turn your life around.

Summit Stories — David Henslington

For 42 years, David has played the Grubstake in Park City. He started guitar at 8 years old, performing by 12, hauling heavy gear through decades of late nights and long sets. Music has never just been a job. It has been his life. Today, he is still doing what he loves most. Walking a mile. Bending down without fear. Playing beside longtime friends. Greeting regulars who have grown up with his sound. For David, success is simple. Keep playing. Keep moving. Keep the music going.

Summit Stories — Jim Burton

‘I forget I’ve even had it. I have to remind myself that I just had back surgery. Don’t do nothing stupid.’ We love seeing Jim get back to his old… or maybe his young 20-year-old self again, feeling rejuvenated and back to training horses, driving trucks, and running heavy equipment. Jim’s love of life is what we all hope to have.