Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
A herniated disc that sends shooting pain down your leg or causes weakness in your foot is not something you can simply sleep off. When conservative treatments have run their course without lasting relief, that relentless nerve pain has a name and a solution: microdiscectomy. It is one of the most performed and well-studied spine procedures available, and for good reason.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we take a personalized approach to spine care for patients across southern New Jersey, including those visiting our Mount Laurel location. Dr. Edward Scheid brings over 20 years of experience and more than 8,000 successful surgeries to every consultation, and our team is here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence. If you have been searching for answers about microdiscectomy, you are in the right place. You can explore our full range of spine procedures to see where microdiscectomy fits within a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Is Microdiscectomy?
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to remove the portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve. Unlike traditional open spine surgery, microdiscectomy uses a small incision and a surgical microscope to give the surgeon a precise, magnified view of the affected area. This allows for targeted removal of disc material with minimal disruption to the surrounding muscles and tissue.
Microdiscectomy is considered the gold standard for removing most lumbar disc herniations when conservative management has not provided adequate relief. The procedure typically addresses herniations in the lower lumbar spine, where the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels are most commonly affected. Patients often experience significant nerve pain relief, and many are able to return to normal activities within a matter of weeks.
How the Procedure Works
During a microdiscectomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia and a small incision is made in the lower back over the affected disc level. The surgeon uses a specialized microscope to carefully move aside the surrounding soft tissue, exposing the herniated disc and the compressed nerve root. The problematic portion of disc material is then carefully removed, relieving pressure on the nerve.
The entire procedure typically takes under two hours, and most patients are able to go home the same day or the following morning. Because the incision is small and muscle disruption is minimal, recovery tends to be more straightforward than with open surgery. At NeuroSpine Plus, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques precisely because they lead to less postoperative pain and a faster path back to daily life.
Who Is a Candidate for Microdiscectomy?
Not every herniated disc requires surgery. In fact, many patients find relief through conservative care such as rest, medication, or targeted physical activity. Microdiscectomy becomes a consideration when nerve compression symptoms persist despite these efforts, typically after six or more weeks of non-surgical management.
You may be a candidate for microdiscectomy if you experience any of the following:
- Leg pain (sciatica): Radiating pain that travels from the lower back down through the buttock and leg, often described as sharp, burning, or electric
- Numbness or tingling: Sensory changes along the nerve pathway that do not resolve with rest or conservative care
- Muscle weakness: Difficulty with movements like walking, lifting the foot, or maintaining balance due to nerve involvement
- Bowel or bladder changes: In more urgent cases, nerve compression can affect these functions and typically requires prompt surgical evaluation
The best way to determine candidacy is through a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and imaging review. Our team at NeuroSpine Plus will work with you to assess whether microdiscectomy is the most appropriate path forward based on your specific diagnosis and health history.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery after microdiscectomy is generally well-tolerated. Most patients notice an improvement in leg pain soon after surgery, often within the first few days as the nerve begins to decompress and heal. Back soreness at the incision site is normal and typically fades over the first couple of weeks.
Activity and Return to Daily Life
Patients are usually encouraged to walk shortly after surgery, as gentle movement supports healing and helps prevent stiffness. Sitting for extended periods and bending or lifting should be limited during the initial recovery phase. Most people can return to light activities within two to four weeks, and those with desk jobs often resume work within one to two weeks, depending on how they feel.
Returning to physically demanding work or strenuous activities takes longer and is guided by your surgeon’s recommendations. Following up with Dr. Scheid and our care team throughout recovery helps ensure your healing stays on track and that any concerns are addressed early.
NeuroSpine Plus: Microdiscectomy in Mount Laurel, NJ
Choosing where to have spine surgery is one of the most important decisions you can make, and we do not take that lightly. At NeuroSpine Plus, Dr. Scheid and our dedicated clinical team bring both surgical precision and genuine patient care to every case. With 8,000+ successful surgeries performed and six convenient New Jersey locations, we are well-positioned to serve patients throughout southern New Jersey, including Mount Laurel and the surrounding communities. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are committed to making high-quality spine care accessible.
If leg pain, numbness, or weakness has been limiting your life and conservative treatment has not brought lasting relief, microdiscectomy may be the answer. We encourage you to take the next step and contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scheid. Together, we can review your imaging, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether microdiscectomy in Mount Laurel is the right fit for your recovery.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: April 30, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.