Surgical Treatment Options for Slipped Disc: What You Should Know

FAQ Series — The Pain Relief Clinic, Singapore

When is surgery necessary for a slipped disc?

Surgery is generally considered only after conservative treatments have failed, or if there are:

  • Severe nerve compression causing muscle weakness or numbness
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control (cauda equina syndrome — an emergency)
  • Persistent pain that severely affects daily life and doesn’t improve after 6–12 weeks of treatment

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we aim to treat most cases non-invasively, but we may refer patients for surgical consultation when appropriate.

What types of surgery are there for a slipped disc?

Common surgical options include:

  • Microdiscectomy: Removal of the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve
  • Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure
  • Spinal fusion: Fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine
  • Artificial disc replacement (in selected cases)

The choice of surgery depends on the severity, location of the disc issue, and overall spine condition.

What are the risks of surgery for a slipped disc?

As with any surgical procedure, risks may include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve injury
  • Spinal fluid leak
  • Failure to relieve pain or recurrence of symptoms

Most modern spine surgeries are minimally invasive with lower complication rates, but it’s important to weigh benefits versus risks with your doctor.

How effective is slipped disc surgery?

For suitable patients, surgery can provide significant and rapid pain relief, especially for:

  • Sciatica caused by nerve compression
  • Persistent leg numbness or weakness

However, surgery is not a guaranteed cure, and some patients may continue to experience back stiffness or discomfort after the procedure. Long-term outcomes are often better when combined with post-op rehab and lifestyle modifications.

How long is the recovery after slipped disc surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery:

  • Microdiscectomy: 2–6 weeks for light activity
  • Spinal fusion: 3–6 months or longer
  • Return to work: Varies based on job demands

Rehabilitation, posture correction, and core strengthening are key to long-term success.

Considering Your Options

At The Pain Relief Clinic, our focus is on non-invasive pain relief and tissue repair technologies. Surgery is rarely the first step. If you’ve been recommended surgery, we are happy to provide a second opinion and explore alternative options where appropriate.

If needed, we can refer you to trusted spine surgeons for evaluation.

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