Microdiscectomy for Herniated Discs in Dallas, TX
A highly effective, minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain, numbness, and weakness caused by a herniated lumbar disc pressing on a spinal nerve.
What is a Microdiscectomy?
A microdiscectomy is the gold standard surgical treatment for a herniated lumbar disc. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed using a surgical microscope to carefully remove the portion of the disc material that is compressing the spinal nerve root.
By removing only the herniated fragment and leaving the healthy portion of the disc intact, the procedure relieves the pressure on the nerve (which causes sciatica) while preserving the structural integrity and motion of the spine.
Conditions Treated
Benefits of Microdiscectomy for Herniated Discs in Dallas, TX
Advanced techniques designed to optimize your recovery and outcomes.
Rapid Relief of Leg Pain (Sciatica)
Outpatient Procedure
Minimal Tissue Disruption
Preserves Spinal Mobility
High Success Rate
Quick Return to Work
Who is a Candidate?
A microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have severe, radiating leg pain (sciatica) caused by a confirmed herniated disc that has not improved after 6 weeks of conservative treatments like physical therapy and steroid injections.
Surgery may be recommended sooner if you are experiencing progressive neurological deficits, such as worsening leg weakness, foot drop, or loss of bowel or bladder control (a medical emergency known as cauda equina syndrome).
Recovery & Results
Most patients experience immediate relief from their leg pain following a microdiscectomy. However, it is normal to have some residual numbness or tingling as the nerve heals over time. You will have some surgical site pain in your lower back, which resolves over a few weeks.
You will be encouraged to walk the same day of surgery. You must avoid bending, lifting, and twisting (the "BLT" restrictions) for the first few weeks. Depending on your job, you may return to work in 1 to 4 weeks. Full recovery and return to athletic activities typically takes 6 to 12 weeks.
Procedure Overview
Preparation
You are positioned carefully, and general anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort.
Incision & Access
A small incision (about 1 inch) is made in the lower back directly over the herniated disc.
Nerve Decompression
Using a surgical microscope, the nerve is gently moved aside, and the herniated disc fragment is removed.
Closure
The incision is closed with dissolving sutures and a small dressing is applied.
Recovery
You will wake up in the recovery room and typically go home the same day.
Why Dallas Patients Choose Dr. Shaad Bidiwala?
As a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Bidiwala specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine procedures. He has been voted by his peers as best doctor in D Magazine over 15 times, reflecting his commitment to exceptional patient outcomes and personalized care.
- Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
- Minimally Invasive Specialist
- Thousands of Successful Procedures
- Patient-First Philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
Conditions This Treats
Back Pain
From a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp pain that limits movement, back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care. We diagnose the root cause to provide targeted, effective treatment.
Learn MoreHerniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core pushes through a tear in the tougher outer ring, irritating nearby nerves. We offer both conservative and minimally invasive surgical options to relieve the resulting pain, numbness, and weakness.
Learn MoreSciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spur compressing the nerve.
Learn MoreRadiculopathy
Radiculopathy is caused by a compressed nerve root in the spine, producing sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve's path. Accurate diagnosis guides effective decompression treatment.
Learn MorePinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure from surrounding tissues disrupts the nerve's function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. We relieve the compression to restore normal function.
Learn MoreLumbar Spine Conditions
The lumbar spine (lower back) carries most of the body's weight and is highly susceptible to injury and wear. We offer advanced treatment for herniated discs, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and other lumbar conditions.
Learn MoreMicrodiscectomy Near SMU and Uptown
Dr. Bidiwala sees microdiscectomy patients at his office at Mockingbird Station, 6080 N Central Expy, Suite 150, across from SMU. Many of his patients come from Uptown and the M Streets, and the office is easy to reach on the DART Red, Orange and Blue lines. Microdiscectomy is usually outpatient, so you can be back home in Dallas the same day.
Ready to Find Relief?
Take the first step toward a pain-free life. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bidiwala to discuss your treatment options.