Herniated Disc Surgery NJ — Board-Certified Spine Surgeon in Edison

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc — also called a slipped or ruptured disc — occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its tough outer ring and presses on nearby nerves. Herniated disc surgery in NJ at The Spine and Performance Institute focuses on decompressing the affected nerve root with the least disruption to surrounding tissue. Procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques and, when appropriate, an awake surgical approach — meaning many patients avoid general anesthesia entirely.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

• Lower back pain radiating into the buttocks, leg, or foot (sciatica)
• Neck pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand (cervical radiculopathy)
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Muscle weakness affecting walking, grip, or lifting
• Sharp, shooting pain worsened by sitting, bending, or coughing

Non-Surgical Treatment First

Conservative options are always explored before recommending surgery. Most herniated discs respond well to physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural steroid injections, and activity modification. Surgery is considered when conservative treatment fails after 6-12 weeks or neurological deficits worsen. View all treatment options at our Edison NJ practice. For a complete overview of the condition — including causes, risk factors, and non-surgical care — see our herniated disc NJ condition guide.

Herniated Disc Surgery Options

Microdiscectomy

The gold standard for lumbar herniated discs causing sciatica. The herniated disc fragment is removed through a small incision using microsurgical techniques. Most patients go home the same day.

ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)

For herniated discs in the cervical spine compressing nerves or the spinal cord, ACDF removes the disc and fuses adjacent vertebrae. Performed with 20+ years of fellowship-trained precision.

Awake Spinal Fusion

When herniation has led to instability or failed prior decompression, spinal fusion may be recommended. The awake spinal fusion technique uses conscious sedation instead of general anesthesia — reducing risk, shortening recovery, and often allowing same-day discharge. This practice is the pioneer of awake spinal fusion in the United States.

Why Choose This Practice for Herniated Disc Surgery in NJ?

• Board-certified — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Fellowship-trained spine surgeon
• MHCDS — Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy
• Castle Connolly Top Doctor
• Pioneer of awake spinal fusion in the United States
• 162+ five-star Google reviews
• 20+ years of spine surgery experience | NPI: 1174518987

Patients travel from across NJ including Woodbridge, Piscataway, and New Brunswick for herniated disc care.

Recovery After Herniated Disc Surgery

• Microdiscectomy: Light activity in 2-4 weeks; full recovery in 6-12 weeks
• ACDF: Return to desk work in 2-4 weeks; full fusion in 3-6 months
• Awake spinal fusion: Often discharged same day; faster recovery than traditional fusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need surgery for my herniated disc?

Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatment for 6-12 weeks has not relieved symptoms, progressive neurological deficits are present, or bladder/bowel control is affected. An MRI review and full evaluation determines the right path.

Is herniated disc surgery done under general anesthesia?

Not necessarily. For fusion procedures, the pioneering awake spinal fusion technique uses conscious sedation — reducing the risks of intubation and providing faster recovery.

What is the success rate of herniated disc surgery?

Microdiscectomy for lumbar herniated discs has an 85-95% success rate for relieving leg pain (sciatica). Results depend on the severity of nerve compression and how long symptoms have been present.

Can a herniated disc come back after surgery?

Recurrence occurs in about 5-10% of microdiscectomy cases. Post-operative physical therapy and proper lifting technique minimize this risk.

About The Spine and Performance Institute

A board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and complex spine conditions. Located at 35-37 Progress St, Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820. Serving all of Central New Jersey.