Hi Dr. Moza! For the last few years I've suffered with pretty bad sciatica because of a slipped disc. The pain travels from my buttocks and down my leg. Sometimes it's worse than others but I've tried to tough it out. On really bad days I rely heavily on over the counter pain meds, but they only take the pain down partially. My doctor says that enough is enough and it's time to get a referral to a neurosurgeon. I'm not exactly thrilled about surgery; to say that I've been hoping to put it off is an understatement. What might this process entail?

Thanks for writing! I'm sorry to hear about your discomfort, though.

Because you're none too eager to have surgery, let me start with the great news first: If I agree with your doctor's assessment, and I don't see why I wouldn't based on your description, you're going to feel so much better after surgery!
Lumbar disc herniations like yours can be treated in my practice using an operating microscope. I won't remove the disc itself; instead, I will do a precision removal of only the herniated portion of the disc. That means that your disc remains intact to provide your body with the shock absorption it needs to feel healthy and flexible.

The surgery incision is minuscule and you'll only be off work for two weeks. You'll be back in the driver's seat in less than that; you can operate a car a week after surgery!

With my minimally-invasive methods, recovery will be fast. You'll go home the same day of your surgery. Don't worry about developing an infection, either. In 2013 and 2014, my patient infection rate was an unheard of "zero" - and 2015 is looking just as good!

While no one wants to have surgery, I hope you now can see how a minimally-invasive procedure can result in you living the pain-free life you deserve.

For those of you following along at home, I should note that sciatica's first option of treatment isn't surgery; I work to find non-invasive solutions first, only relying on surgery when other options have been exhausted.

The exception to this basic rule is weakness; should you develop muscle weakness at any point in conjunction with sciatica (Or any back pain.), you should see a neurosurgeon immediately.

If you have further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, give my office a call.

Kapil Moza MD, FACS
Diplomate, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Dr. Moza's Santa Clarita office is conveniently located in Valencia. 805-497-3622

Dr. Moza Named to "Super Doctors Southern California" List for 2016
Los Angeles Magazine had a simple question for So Cal's best doctors: If you needed to be treated by a fellow physician, who would you call? Dr. Kapil Moza, a board-certified surgeon, was one of the few remarkable specialists who were nominated by renowned practitioners for the magazine's "Super Doctors" list. The kudos comes shortly after Dr. Moza was named in The Continental Who's Who as a Top Pinnacle Professional Neurosurgeon, the highest distinction.