Patients who experience sciatica know all about the radiating leg pain, numbness, and weakness that come with the condition. Most have tried the various conservative treatments that help many sciatica patients.
For many patients who still seek relief after those more conservative efforts, Dr. Grigory Goldberg, a board-certified minimally invasive spine surgeon in New Jersey, offers a modern approach to sciatica surgery that prioritizes comfort, precision, and long-term relief with advanced, minimally invasive techniques.
Let’s walk through what you can expect before, during, and after minimally invasive spine surgery, and why it could be the turning point in your path to healing.
Does Sciatica Require Surgery?
Many sciatica patients get relief from pain through traditional treatments, including:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural injections
However, if your pain has persisted for months despite ordinary therapies, there may be lingering structural issues preventing your recovery. Minimally invasive surgery presents other options.
At the Modern Spine Institute, Dr. Goldberg performs comprehensive evaluations to determine whether surgery is necessary, and if so, whether a minimally invasive approach is right for a patient.
Surgery for Sciatica: When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough
Sciatica affects about 10% to 40% of American adults during their lifetime. Of those, 5% to 10% undergo surgery to relieve persistent symptoms. Minimally invasive spine surgery offers a compelling alternative to ineffective traditional therapies, with a long-term success rate exceeding 90%.
The goal of surgery for sciatica is straightforward: relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve that’s causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Nerve compression typically results from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs in the lower spine.
Generally, the primary goal of any minimally invasive spine surgery is to achieve nerve root release. Sciatica surgery involves freeing the compressed nerve from surrounding structures that are irritating or pinching it. Once released, sciatica nerve relief can increase with the natural healing of the highly sensitive tissue.
Let’s look at two of the most commonly used procedures, microdiscectomy and lumbar laminectomy. Both of these involve smaller incisions, reduced trauma to surrounding tissues, and faster recovery times than traditional surgeries.
Microdiscectomy: A Precise Solution for Herniated Discs
Surgeons often recommend a microdiscectomy when persistent sciatica results from a herniated disc. This minimally invasive technique involves making a small incision (often less than an inch) and using specialized instruments to remove the precise portion of the disc that’s pressing on the sciatic nerve.
This procedure causes minimal disruption to nearby muscles and tissues and typically involves short recovery times. Most experience rapid improvements in pain and function, often within days of surgery. Of course, individual recovery time varies, but patients typically return to light activity within two to four weeks.
Lumbar Laminectomy: Spinal Decompression for Lasting Relief
When spinal stenosis is the cause of nerve compression, a lumbar laminectomy may be a better sciatica surgery option. This procedure involves removing a portion of the lamina (the bony part of the vertebra) to enlarge the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the nerve.
This process of spinal decompression allows for better nerve circulation and healing. Like microdiscectomy, it’s performed using a minimally invasive approach that reduces pain and shortens recovery time. Patients usually notice improvements in walking, leg strength, and overall function within a few weeks.
What To Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
We want you to feel comfortable with the full minimally invasive surgical experience, from preparation to recovery.
Before Surgery
You’ll undergo imaging like an MRI or CT scan, meet with Dr. Goldberg to review your case, and receive clear pre-operative instructions. You may need to stop taking certain medications, adjust your diet and supplements, and begin light physical conditioning.
During Surgery
Most procedures take one to two hours and involve general anesthesia. Thanks to small incisions, specialized instruments, and image-guided tools, the highly targeted process involves minimal disruption to muscles and tissues.
After Surgery
Recovery is where minimally invasive spine surgery truly shines. Patients often walk the same day and return home within 24 hours. Post-operative pain is typically mild and manageable. Full recovery takes six to twelve weeks, with many patients returning to routine activities much earlier.
Reclaim Your Life With Sciatica Surgery
While only a small percentage of sciatica patients ultimately need surgery, those who do often find that sciatica surgery brings them back to the life they’ve been missing. Whether you’re struggling to sit through a workday or enjoy simple activities with your family, you don’t have to live with constant discomfort.
At the Modern Spine Institute, Dr. Grigory Goldberg and his team are here to support your journey toward recovery with expert guidance and compassionate care as you prepare for minimally invasive spine surgery.
Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
If conservative treatments have failed and you’re seeking real relief, contact our office today to learn more about sciatica surgery and to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Sciatica Surgery
Here are some helpful answers to common concerns many patients have when considering minimally invasive spine surgery.
Can Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Treat Both Sciatica and Lower Back Pain?
Whether minimally invasive spine surgery can effectively treat both sciatica and lower back pain depends on the cause of your symptoms; while sciatica is nerve-related, lower back pain may originate from muscle strain, arthritis, or disc degeneration. Your surgeon will help determine the right treatment based on your diagnosis.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Undergoing Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
There are no strict age restrictions for undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery. Rather, candidacy depends on a patient’s overall health, spine condition, and ability to safely tolerate anesthesia and post-operative rehabilitation.
How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Sciatica Surgery?
You may be a candidate for sciatica surgery if you have confirmed nerve compression on imaging, persistent symptoms lasting longer than six weeks, and have not found relief through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, or medications.
