Most cases of lumbar disc herniations can be treated conservatively without surgery. However, when the patient’s pain is intractable, conservative care has been ineffective, the patient has had severe symptoms for an extended period of time, and/or if a neurologic deficit is developing (weakness in the leg muscles), then surgical intervention is recommended.

Nearly always, Dr. Ibrahim performs lumbar disc surgery for a herniated disc through a “minimally invasive” technique. Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and tiny specialized technology such as endoscopes (small video cameras). These new techniques and technologies have been pioneered in the Denver community by Dr. Ibrahim and typically result in quicker patient recovery times than traditional techniques, as they reduce trauma to soft tissues and minimize blood-loss during surgery.