Herniated disc surgery, usually a microdiscectomy, removes the part of the disc that presses on a nerve. It often relieves leg pain quickly. But most herniated discs improve without an operation, and trials show results at one year are often similar with or without surgery.
What a herniated disc is
The soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer ring and can press on a nerve root. In the lower back this causes sciatica: pain, numbness or tingling down the leg.
Back or leg pain for more than 6 weeks? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Surgery options
| Operation | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Microdiscectomy | Removing the disc fragment through a small incision |
| Laminectomy | Removing bone to make more room for nerves |
| Spinal fusion | Joining vertebrae together; see fusion alternatives |
| Disc replacement | Swapping the disc for an artificial one, in selected cases |
Herniated disc treatment without surgery
- Stay active and avoid long bed rest
- Physiotherapy and exercise
- Pain relief such as NSAIDs where safe
- Epidural steroid injection for severe leg pain
- PRP or stem cell injections, newer options with early evidence