Do I need surgery for degenerative disk disease?

Do I need surgery for degenerative disk disease?

Many patients do not need surgery for degenerative disk disease. But if you have tried multiple nonsurgical treatments and have persistent pain and/or weakness, surgery may be a good option.

Or your surgeon may use one of a few types of spinal decompression surgery:

• Diskectomy: Removing part of a spinal disk to relieve pressure on your nerves.
• Foraminotomy: Expanding the opening for your nerve roots by removing tissue and bone.
• Laminectomy: Taking out a small portion of bone from your lower spine (lamina).
• Osteophyte removal: Removing bone spurs (osteophytes).
• Spinal fusion: During this procedure, your surgeon connects two or more vertebrae to improve stability.