Herniated disc cured after 10 years of illness

Mr. Danh, 50 years old, had back pain and difficulty walking. The doctor diagnosed a herniated disc compressing the spinal nerve roots and required surgery to restore mobility.

For the past 10 years, Mr. Danh (living in Thua Thien Hue ) has suffered from a herniated disc. Hesitant about surgery, he just took medicine and endured the pain. In recent years, he has often had back pain, numbness in his limbs, and difficulty walking.

At the end of July, he went to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for a check-up. Dr. Le Thanh Vuong, Department of Spinal Neurology, Orthopedic Trauma Center, said that Mr. Danh's herniated disc condition had progressed severely, compressing the nerve roots. If not operated on, prolonged compression could lead to incontinence, gradual limb atrophy, and loss of the ability to walk.

The patient underwent minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). The doctor made a small incision of about 1.5 cm, inserted an endoscope into the body, and removed the slipped disc fragments.

According to Dr. Vuong, MISS is the most advanced treatment method for spinal diseases today with the advantages of small incisions, minimal invasion, no impact on nerves, minimal damage to muscles and surrounding tissues, and quick recovery. With the C-Arm portable X-ray machine and supporting microsurgical glasses, the doctor closely monitors the process of screwing into the spine, clearly sees the surgical field (surgical area), and avoids damaging the nerve structure. Damaged bone structures are removed with a high-frequency ultrasonic drill and cutter, causing no bleeding.

A day later, Mr. Danh no longer had severe pain or numbness. He was able to wear a brace, practice walking, and was discharged from the hospital after three days.

MRI image shows the location of the herniated disc compressing the nerve. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital — MRI image shows the location of the herniated disc compressing the nerve. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Dr. Tran Xuan Anh, Head of the Spinal Neurology Department, said that a herniated disc is a condition in which one or more discs between the vertebrae slip out of their original position, compressing the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and sensory disturbances at the site. The disease is common in people who often carry heavy loads, sit a lot, or have incorrect postures; it gets worse with age due to aging.

Depending on the condition and the level of impact on daily life, the doctor will have the appropriate treatment method. If the herniated disc has not compressed the nerve roots, the patient only needs to take medication and do physical therapy. When the disease does not improve and progresses severely, the doctor will prescribe surgery.

Currently, the success rate in surgery to treat diseases such as herniated disc, spinal degeneration, spinal spurs... has been improved. After surgery, patients no longer have back pain and can walk comfortably.

Doctor Xuan Anh (left) uses a microscope in a spinal surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital — Doctor Xuan Anh (left) uses a microscope in a spinal surgery. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Dr. Xuan Anh noted that herniated discs are not difficult to treat, but are easily misdiagnosed and misoperated on, due to the similar symptoms to many other diseases. Patients should go to a reputable facility for examination.

At 8:00 p.m. on August 3, an online consultation on Spinal Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery was broadcast on the VnExpress fanpage. The program updated medical information on spinal endoscopy and the advantages of minimally invasive spinal surgery. Doctors from the Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, participated, including Dr. Tran Xuan Anh, Head of Spinal Neurology Department, Dr. Le Thanh Vuong, and Dr. Kim Thanh Tri. Readers can submit questions here.

Phi Hong

* The patient's name has been changed.

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