Percutaneous Disc Decompression

Percutaneous disc decompression is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat herniated discs that are causing nerve compression and pain in the back, legs, neck, or arms. Using advanced tools from Stryker Medical Products, a small amount of disc material is removed, which reduces pressure inside the disc and on nearby nerves.

This procedure offers an excellent alternative to open spine surgery for many patients.

Your provider may recommend disc decompression if you have:

• Chronic low back pain or neck pain from a herniated disc
• Sciatica (leg pain, numbness, or weakness from lumbar disc herniation)
• Cervical radiculopathy (neck disc herniation causing arm pain)
• Pain that has not improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections
• Disc bulges confirmed by MRI that are causing nerve irritation

The goal is to relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and improve function — without the need for major surgery.

The procedure is performed in a sterile outpatient setting.

• You will lie comfortably on an X-ray table.
• The skin over your back or neck is cleaned, sterilized, and numbed with a local anesthetic.
• Under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance, a small needle and specialized device from Stryker (such as the SERFAS Energy System or Dekompressor device) is carefully placed into the herniated disc.
• A small amount of disc material is removed or vaporized to decompress the disc and relieve pressure on the nerve.
• The procedure typically takes about 30–45 minutes, and you are monitored briefly before going home the same day.

• You may experience mild soreness at the injection site for a few days.
• Pain from nerve compression should gradually decrease over days to weeks as inflammation reduces.
• You should limit heavy lifting, bending, and twisting for about 2 weeks after the procedure.
• A structured physical therapy program may be recommended to strengthen your back and prevent future problems.
• Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and a faster return to activity compared to traditional surgery.

Percutaneous disc decompression is considered very safe, especially when using precision technology like Stryker's products. Potential, rare risks include:

• Temporary increased back or neck soreness
• Bleeding or infection (very rare)
• Discitis (infection of the disc) (very rare)
• Nerve injury (extremely rare)
• Incomplete pain relief (some patients may still require further treatment)

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we follow the highest safety standards to minimize these risks and ensure excellent results.

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we offer:

• Board-certified spine and pain management specialists
• State-of-the-art Stryker technologies for precision disc decompression
• Minimally invasive, outpatient procedures with faster recovery times
• Personalized care plans to meet each patient's needs and goals

Our goal is to help you relieve your pain, restore your function, and avoid major surgery whenever possible.