Which procedure is frequently performed to alleviate pain from a herniated disk?

A discectomy is a surgical procedure specifically aimed at removing the portion of a herniated disk that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. This alleviates pain and other symptoms related to nerve compression, such as tingling, weakness, or numbness. By addressing the source of the problem, the discectomy provides targeted relief and allows for the possibility of improved function and mobility in the affected area.

Other procedures listed serve different purposes; for instance, a laminectomy removes the lamina (the back part of the vertebra) to create more space in the spinal canal but is not exclusively aimed at treating herniated disks. Chiropractic adjustments are non-surgical manipulations intended to improve spinal alignment and may help with pain but do not directly remove the herniation. Chondroplasty is a procedure used to repair damaged cartilage, primarily in joints, and is unrelated to spinal disk issues. Thus, when considering interventions for a herniated disk, a discectomy is the most appropriate choice for alleviating the specific pain associated with it.