How Much Does Herniated Disc Surgery Cost? A Comprehensive Overview

When every step sends a jolt of pain down your spine, and no pill or therapy seems to help, it’s not only discomfort but life on hold. If you’re struggling with the constant pain of a herniated disc, surgery might feel like your last resort.

Still, it’s not an easy decision. You might be wondering: What kind of surgery will I need? How much will it cost? What are the risks?

No worries—we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll break down the types of herniated disc surgery, what they typically cost, and what you can expect. Let’s get started.

What is herniated disc surgery?

Before we dive into costs, let’s take a quick look at what herniated disc surgery is and why someone needs it.

A herniated disc (also known as bulging, ruptured, or slipped disc) is a disc in your spinal cord that has undergone a tear in its outer ring (annulus) and now its central gel-like part (nucleus pulposus) is putting pressure on your nearby nerve.

The compression from the herniated disc causes irritation, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in your arms, legs, or other parts of your body.

Who is a good candidate for herniated disc surgery?

According to AANS, 9 out of 10 people do not require surgery for herniated discs. In most cases, NSAIDs, painkillers, steroid injections, and physical therapy are usually enough to treat the symptoms of the herniated disc. And the symptoms of herniated discs gradually improve with time.

However, herniated disc surgery might be necessary when you have:

1. Numbness or tingling that does not improve with medications

2. Muscle weakness leading to drop foot

3. Pain in your legs or buttocks (sciatica)

4. Loss of your bladder or bowel control

Lumbar vs. cervical slipped disc surgery

Doctors usually perform surgery more often on herniated discs in the lower back, especially around the L4 and L5 vertebrae, than in the neck area, like around C5 and C6.

That’s because herniated discs in the lower back tend to cause more severe pain, leg weakness, or problems like sciatica, which are harder to manage with just medication or therapy.

Types of surgery for a herniated disc

The following are the details of the different types of surgery you can consider getting for a herniated disc:

1- Open discectomy

The surgeon removes the herniated disc that is compressing your spinal nerve. For this purpose, a large incision on your back is made to operate on the herniated disc.

2- Microdiscectomy

It is a minimally invasive surgery that involves only a small incision on the back. With the help of an endoscope, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the disc.

Recovery after microdiscectomy is faster than open discectomy, as small incisions heal faster.

3- Laminectomy/Laminotomy

Lamina, a part of your vertebral bone, is partially or completely removed to create more room for your nerves. As a result, the pressure on the nerves is reduced, leading to pain relief.

4- Spinal fusion

In spinal fusion, your surgeon removes the herniated disc completely. Then, a bone graft is implanted between two vertebrae to join them together. This provides stability to your spinal column. However, the flexibility and movement are greatly reduced.

5- Artificial disc replacement

The surgeon replaces your herniated disc with a new artificial one. Artificial disc replacement can be performed instead of spinal fusion to preserve the flexibility of your spine.

How much does herniated disc surgery cost?

In the U.S., herniated disc surgery might cost you around $15,000-$150,000. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different slipped disc surgery types in the U.S.:

Surgery Type	Cost Range (USD)
Microdiscectomy	$20,000 – $50,000
Laminectomy	$50,000 – $90,000
Spinal Fusion	$80,000 – $150,000
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)	$20,000 – $70,000 Lumbar ADR is more expensive than cervical ADR.
General Range (all types)	$13,443 average $5,550 minimum $25,027 maximum (varies by procedure and factors)

However, prices are much lower in other regions of the world. Here's a quick comparison of the average cost of herniated disc surgery in different countries:

Country	Estimated Cost (USD)
United KIngdom	$9,000-$23,000
Poland	$3,000-$7,000
Turkey	$4,000-$10,000
India	$6,000-$10,000
South Korea	$7,000-$11,000
Thailand	$6,000-$13,000
Mexico	$7,000-$20,000
Spain	$18,000-$28,000

Factors influencing the price of herniated disc surgery

Although the average cost of herniated disc surgery has been provided above, you should plan your budget while keeping the following factors in mind:

1. Type of surgery

The cost of herniated disc surgery may vary based on the type. If a disc slip is in the neck, it may cost you less. On the flip side, lumbar disc surgery might be expensive. Similarly, spinal fusion surgeries are often costly.

2. Geographic location

Hospitals in big cities provide more facilities and eventually charge more. On the other hand, treatment in hospitals in rural areas is relatively cheaper.

3. Surgeon's experience and reputation

A surgeon with advanced skills and experience may charge more than the average cost for surgery.

4. Hospital vs. outpatient surgery center

Hospitals cost more for surgery than outpatient surgery centers due to the overnight stays and the wider range of facilities they offer.

According to the Commonwealth Fund, the average spending on inpatient hospital stay is $14,391, while that for an outpatient department visit is $900.

5. Anesthesia fees

Besides paying for your surgeon, medical tests, and hospital facilities, you also have to pay a separate fee to your anesthesiologist.

6. Pre-operative tests and evaluations

Evaluations done before herniated disc surgery include MRI, CT scan, X-ray, EMG (nerve conduction study), and blood tests. All of these affect the overall cost of the surgery.

7. Post-operative care and rehabilitation

After going through surgery, you'll still need to pay for post-op hospital stay, nursing services, medications, physical therapy, and follow-up visits.

Does insurance cover herniated disc surgery?

Both government and private insurance may cover most of the cost of herniated disc surgery:

1. Government insurance

• Medicare: covers treatment costs for individuals older than 65 or with disabilities.

• Medicaid: covers a wide range of treatment expenses for individuals with low income.

2. Private insurance

If you're not eligible for government insurance, apply for private insurance. The coverage a private insurance company provides varies with the type of plan you've paid for.

3. Out-of-pocket expenses (even with insurance)

Even with insurance, you still need to pay deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and out-of-network charges. Make sure to check them before you go for surgery. Knowing these details beforehand can help you prepare better for the procedure.

4. Pre-authorization and confirming coverage

Getting prior authorization from your insurance company before you get herniated disc surgery is important. This ensures that the insurance company has deemed your case medically necessary and has agreed to provide coverage for the treatment.

If you’re traveling abroad for herniated disc surgery, make sure to check with your provider if your costs are covered by insurance. If so, then what do you have to pay out of pocket? Understanding the costs beforehand can help you plan a smoother and stress-free journey. And if you need help finding affordable herniated disc surgery, don’t hesitate to consult with QCG!

Herniated disc surgery costs without insurance

Without insurance, the burden of the expenses for herniated disc surgery, including the pre-op and post-op procedures, lies on you.

1. Cost scenarios for uninsured patients

Without insurance, medical tests before surgery, hospital stays, medications, and follow-up visits will cause a huge financial burden on you.

The following comparison between herniated disc surgery charges you'll have to pay with and without Medicare coverage gives a clear picture:

Herniated Disc Surgery	With Medicare Coverage	Without Medicare Coverage
Discectomy	$2,010	$14,539
Laminectomy	$1,646	$8,237

2. Payment plan options (offered by hospitals)

Hospitals provide the option of paying off your medical bills in the form of monthly installments.

QCG can help you find the best hospitals worldwide, all while staying budget-friendly for you!

3. Medical financing options

• CareCredit: Aids in covering out-of-pocket expenses for your herniated disc treatment.

• Personal loan: You can take a loan from the bank to pay off your treatment charges.

• Financial aid: If the surgery cost is out of your budget, consider seeking help through financial aid from non-profit organizations such as Health Well Foundation.

Top Countries for Affordable Herniated Disc Surgery

Since medical tourism is booming, people are choosing to go abroad for medical procedures. Yes, for herniated disc surgery too!

Let’s explore some popular countries that offer herniated disc surgery at an affordable cost:

1. India

Hospitals in India provide good healthcare services at a cheaper price, usually costing around $6,600 to $9,400. The waiting time for getting treatment is shorter than in Western countries.

2. Turkey

Turkey is popular for its medical tourism. Hospitals have certifications from JCI (Joint Commission International). And almost all follow international standards for surgical procedures. Herniated disc surgery in Turkey typically costs around $4,500 to $10,000.

3. Mexico

Mexico offers board-certified surgeons who perform surgery for $7,000 to $20,000. It is the best choice for US-based individuals, as the travelling time is shorter, being near the U.S.

4. South Korea

Surgery in South Korea is not only affordable but also highly advanced. Hospitals are internationally certified and have the latest medical technology, and skilled surgeons at around $7,000 to $11,000.

Note: All prices for herniated disc surgery are average estimates. The total cost may vary depending on the type of surgery you choose.

How long does herniated disc surgery take?

A minimally invasive surgery like microdiscectomy normally takes 1-2 hours. On the other hand, surgeries such as spinal fusion for herniated discs require 3-4 hours.

Other factors that affect the duration of herniated disc surgery are:

• Number of herniated discs that need surgery.

• The level of skill of your surgeon.

• Complications such as excessive bleeding or infection can prolong surgery.

Herniated disc recovery time

Generally, you can return to light activities after 1-2 weeks.

According to AANS, you should avoid activities that might put unnecessary pressure on your spine, such as driving and excessive lifting, for up to 4 weeks.

However, for complex surgeries such as spinal fusion and laminectomy, the recovery time is longer, extending up to 3-4 months.

Is herniated disc surgery safe?

The risk of a herniated disc surgery going wrong is extremely low. The possible complications that might occur include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Nerve damage

Is herniated disc surgery worth it?

Although most people recover from symptoms of the herniated disc without surgery, for some, it is unavoidable.

Herniated disc surgery has an around 80% chance of providing successful results. Thus, if non-surgical treatment has failed in your case, surgery may be a suitable choice for you.

And traveling abroad for high-quality and affordable slipped disc surgery is also a great option. Just make sure to verify the surgeon’s and hospital’s credentials, so you’re in safe hands.

For expert guidance on your herniated disc surgery journey, contact QCG now!