Treating Herniated Discs with Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Minimally Invasive Solution

Herniated discs can cause debilitating pain, numbness and weakness that makes performing activities of daily living (ADLs) difficult if not seemingly impossible.

Many cases of herniated discs do improve with conservative treatments. Sometimes, this isn’t true. In that instance, or if you experience significant nerve compression causing intense pain, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery may be required.

Endoscopic spine surgery is a less invasive option compared to other types of spine surgery.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Between each of your vertebrae are intervertebral discs, also known as spinal discs. These discs are made of a jelly-like center, or nucleus pulposus, and a tough yet flexible outer ring, or annulus fibrosus.

This soft center can sometimes push against the outer ring, extending or “bulging” through it (hence the term bulging disc). When it does this, it can also press against nearby spinal nerves. Not only that, it can also release chemical irritants that cause further nerve inflammation.

When this bulging occurs, it’s what’s known as a herniated disc.

Why Do Herniated Discs Happen?

Herniated discs, also known as bulging discs, are more common than you might think.

Herniated discs cause nerve pain that radiates into your arms or legs because it is pushing on the nerve.

A herniated disc is a common cause of pain. But why?

The most common cause is age-related deterioration, known as degenerative disc disease. But sudden injury or physical trauma can also cause a herniated disc.

What’s the Best Treatment for a Herniated Disc?

There are a number of potential herniated disc treatment options ranging from rest and medication management to physical therapy and steroid injections.

When it comes to surgery, several options exist, including:

• Minimally-invasive endoscopic spine surgery
• Discectomy
• Microdiscectomy
• Minimally-invasive open discectomy

The best option for you will ultimately depend on the severity of your condition and whether or not you’ve already tried these conservative methods.

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) is, however, considered one of the best herniated disc treatments for patients who are eligible, since it is the least invasive type of surgery for herniated discs by far. However, most spine surgeons do not have the knowledge and experience required to successfully perform ESS.

There is significant variation in the surgical methods of orthopedic spine doctors, so it’s important to choose wisely! Dr. Baig specializes in complex spinal surgery including ESS.

Comparing Endoscopic Spine Surgery to Other Treatments for Herniated Discs

For patients who need surgery for herniated discs, endoscopic spine surgery is a great option. Compared to other types of spine surgery that may be used to treat herniated discs, ESS provides benefits such as:

• Smaller Incisions & Minimal Tissue Disruption – ESS requires tiny incisions and causes less damage to surrounding muscles and tissues than traditional open surgery.
• Fewer Complications – Reduced tissue trauma results in minimal blood loss, lower infection risk, and decreased post-operative pain, leading to faster recovery and no hospital stay.
• Improved Surgical Precision – The use of an endoscope provides high-definition visualization, allowing for accurate navigation and minimal scarring.
• Structural Integrity Maintained – The procedure often preserves natural spinal structures, avoiding unnecessary bone removal and reducing the likelihood of future instability or additional treatments.
• Significantly Lower Infection Risk – With up to 16 times lower infection rates and minimal blood loss, ESS enhances patient safety and promotes faster healing.

How Does Endoscopic Spine Surgery Treat Herniated Discs?

An orthopaedic spine surgeon removes damaged disc material with very minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. They do this by:

1. Creating a tiny incision about the size of a pencil eraser close to the affected disc.
2. Inserting a small camera called an endoscope to provide a visual of the herniated disc and other nearby anatomy.
3. Removing the damaged disc material or entire disc if needed.
4. Stitching up the incision and discharging the patient on the same day for recovery.

What is Recovery from ESS for Disc Herniation Like?

Because it’s an outpatient procedure, and because it usually does very little damage to tissues surrounding the disc, endoscopic spine surgery usually involves minimal recovery time.

While every patient is different, most patients can expect to resume back to normal activity within a few days.

Get Evaluated for Herniated Disc Treatment Options Now

Wondering whether the pain that you are experiencing might be due to a herniated disc? Maybe you’ve already been diagnosed and are now considering different herniated treatment options including endoscopic spine surgery. Either way, Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center can help get you a diagnosis or devise a customized treatment plan for your unique situation.

Reach out to us anytime with additional questions or to schedule a medical consultation.

Blog Summary: 

Herniated discs can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness, making daily life hard. While many cases improve with conservative treatments, some require surgery—especially when nerve compression leads to intense pain or mobility issues.  

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) is the least invasive surgical option for treating herniated discs, offering benefits such as smaller incisions, comparatively few complications, and quick recovery.  

This blog explores the causes of herniated discs, compares treatment options, and details how ESS works.  

If you’re considering your next steps, Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center can provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment options.