Microdiscectomy in San Diego, CA

Relief from Herniated Disc Pain Through Precision Spine Surgery

When a herniated or bulging disc presses on a nerve, it can cause sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the back or legs. Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon and leading spine surgeon in San Diego, specializes in microdiscectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pressure on spinal nerves while preserving healthy tissue.

With more than 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Ghosh combines advanced imaging technology and precise microsurgical techniques to help patients regain comfort and mobility.

Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule a consultation and learn if a microdiscectomy is right for you.

What Is a Microdiscectomy?

A microdiscectomy (also called a micro decompression) is a minimally invasive spine surgery that removes a small portion of a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve. This relieves nerve compression, reduces inflammation, and helps restore normal movement without the need for large incisions or extended hospital stays.

Dr. Ghosh performs microdiscectomy procedures using advanced operating microscopes and navigation tools to ensure precision, minimize tissue disruption, and promote faster recovery.

Conditions Treated with Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is commonly recommended for patients experiencing:

  • Lumbar or cervical herniated discs
  • Sciatica (leg pain from nerve compression)
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms
  • Nerve compression that hasn’t improved with physical therapy or injections

If you’ve been living with persistent back or leg pain caused by a herniated disc, microdiscectomy spine surgery in San Diego may provide long-term relief.

How Microdiscectomy Is Performed

Dr. Ghosh performs microdiscectomy through a small incision, usually less than one inch long. Using a microscope for enhanced visibility, he removes the small portion of disc material pressing on the nerve while keeping the surrounding muscles and ligaments intact.

The procedure typically includes:

  1. Small incision near the affected spinal level.
  2. Use of tubular retractors to gently separate muscles.
  3. Removal of disc fragments or bone spurs compressing the nerve.
  4. Closure with minimal sutures and limited blood loss.

Most procedures are completed within an hour, and many patients go home the same day.

Benefits of Microdiscectomy

Compared to traditional open spine surgery, microdiscectomy offers:

  • Smaller incision and less muscle damage
  • Shorter recovery and minimal scarring
  • Significant reduction in leg pain and numbness
  • Outpatient procedure with quicker return to activity
  • Lower complication rates and improved mobility

These benefits make microdiscectomy in San Diego a trusted option for patients seeking effective, low-impact treatment for herniated disc pain.

Ready to explore your options?

Request an appointment with Dr. Sanjay Ghosh to find out if microdiscectomy is the best approach for your spine condition.

Recovery After Microdiscectomy

Most patients walk the same day of surgery and return to light activity within a few days.
Full recovery usually takes four to six weeks, depending on the extent of the herniation and your overall health.

Dr. Ghosh and his team provide personalized follow-up care at his Mission Valley clinic, guiding every patient through a safe, steady recovery plan.
Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen muscles and prevent future disc issues.

Why Choose Dr. Sanjay Ghosh

  • Board-Certified Neurosurgeon with 20+ years of experience
  • Specializes in minimally invasive spine and disc procedures
  • Performs surgeries at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, University Ambulatory Surgery Center, and Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla
  • Known for surgical precision, compassionate communication, and exceptional patient outcomes

Patients across San Diego County trust Dr. Ghosh for evidence-based spine care that combines expertise with compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a microdiscectomy?

Is microdiscectomy painful?

How long does it take to recover?

Can the disc herniate again after surgery?

Explore Related Spine Treatments

Learn more about other advanced spine procedures performed by Dr. Ghosh:

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Uses small incisions and specialized tools to reduce pain and speed recovery.

Laminectomy
Creates more space in the spinal canal to relieve compression from stenosis.

Spinal Fusion Surgery
Stabilizes the spine using bone grafts and instrumentation after injury or degeneration.

Artificial Disc Replacement
Replaces a worn or herniated disc while preserving natural spinal movement.

Robotic Radiosurgery (CyberKnife)
Delivers precise, non-invasive radiation treatment for spinal and brain tumors.

Trusted Spine Care Across San Diego County

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh welcomes patients from across San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Chula Vista, Clairemont, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, La Jolla, La Mesa, Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Santee, Scripps Ranch, Solana Beach, and University City / UTC.

Patients from all regions rely on Dr. Ghosh’s Mission Valley clinic for advanced, minimally invasive spine care and lasting pain relief.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If back or leg pain from a herniated disc is affecting your quality of life, a microdiscectomy could be the key to long-term comfort and mobility.
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh and his experienced team deliver world-class spine care with a focus on precision, recovery, and patient well-being.

Start Your Microdiscectomy Evaluation

Call or request your consultation online to learn if microdiscectomy in San Diego is right for you.