Discectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Discectomy?
A spine surgeon performs a discectomy. This is often an orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint surgeon, or a neurosurgeon, a surgeon who treats the nerves and spine. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Discectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a disk. Disks are cushions that separate your spinal bones, called vertebrae. In a herniated disk, the soft, jelly-like center pushes through the tough outer ring. The most common surgery for a single herniated disk is called a microdiskectomy. In the neck, it is most often done along with another spine procedure.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Many symptoms of a herniated disk get better or go away over time without surgery. A provider may recommend it if you have a herniated disk and one of the following.
- Leg or arm pain or numbness that is very bad or is not going away
- Severe weakness in muscles of your arm, lower leg or buttocks
Surgery is typically recommended only after treatment without surgery has not relieved painful symptoms. Loss of bladder or bowel control is extremely rare. It may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome. That is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
How to prepare
- Tell your surgeon or nurse about any medicines, supplements, or herbs you take.
- Smoking can slow healing and raise the risk of blood clots. Cut back or quit.
- You may be asked to stop blood thinners for a short time before surgery.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon if you get sick, because surgery may need to be postponed.
- Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
What happens during it
You get general anesthesia, so you are asleep and pain-free. In a microdiskectomy, the surgeon makes a small cut on your back, about 1 to 1.5 inches long. The surgeon moves the back muscles aside and uses a special microscope to see the disk and nerves. The surgeon removes the injured disk tissue and pieces of the disk. The surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours. A newer option is endoscopic diskectomy. It uses a thin tube with a camera. If more than one level has a herniated disk, you may need open surgery. This uses a larger cut.
Recovery
You will be asked to get up and walk soon after the anesthesia wears off. Most people go home the day of surgery. You may also be told not to bend, lift, or twist for the first few weeks. Most people have pain relief and can move better after surgery. Pain, numbness, or weakness may not go away if you had nerve damage before surgery. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Risks of this surgery include the following.
- Nerve damage that causes weakness or pain that does not go away
- Back pain that does not get better, or pain that comes back later
- Spinal fluid that leaks and causes headaches
- A disk that bulges out again
- A spine that becomes more unstable and needs more surgery
- Bleeding and blood clots
- Infection that may need antibiotics, a longer hospital stay, or more surgery
Who performs it
A spine surgeon, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon, performs a discectomy.
Common questions
Does a herniated disk always need surgery?
No, most people feel better within a few weeks or months without surgery.
How long does a microdiskectomy take?
The surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours. Most people go home the day of surgery.
Can the disk herniate again after a discectomy?
Yes, the disk may bulge out again. With either surgery or treatment without surgery, the chance of it herniating again in your lifetime is up to 20 to 25%, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Diskectomy
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Herniated Disk in the Lower Back
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
