Accurate diagnosis can be difficult and leaves plenty of room for interpretation.
Treatment is controversial.
Surgical treatment can be technically simple and professionally gratifying for the surgeon. Treatment failures are not uncommon, often are related to posttraumatic or work-related injuries, and may result in litigation. As a consequence, this disease can generate distrust of physicians on the part of patients and vice versa. This chapter clarifies some important guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar disc disease. Surgical treatment was not widespread until the 1950s.