New York Orthopaedic Spinal Associates

Back surgery for sciatica is typically considered as a last resort when other non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief. Drs. Ira and Marc Chernoff feel strongly that the least-invasive methods should always be used before resorting to surgery. In general, surgery may be necessary if the symptoms of sciatica are severe and significantly impact a person's quality of life. Surgery may also be recommended if there is evidence of nerve damage or if the condition is causing weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Some common surgical procedures for sciatica we perform at New York Orthopaedic Spinal Specialists include: Microdiscectomy: This procedure involves removing the portion of the herniated disc that is compressing the nerve root. Laminectomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the lamina (the bony arch that covers the spinal cord) to alleviate pressure on the nerve roots. Spinal fusion: This procedure involves fusing vertebral segments together to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.