Most people who have a herniated disc do not need surgery because their symptoms tend to improve over time with or without treatment. When surgery is used to treat a herniated disc, it is done to decrease pain and allow for more normal movement and function. Pain that is severe and disabling. No improvement after 4 weeks or more of nonsurgical treatment.
Surgery is only appropriate for people who have specific symptoms and conditions.
For example, surgery may be considered if a person's job requires a more rapid recovery, and there is no time to wait for the herniated disc to heal itself. Surgery may also be considered for older adults if the herniated disc is less likely to improve without surgery because of other spinal diseases. It should be noted that disc surgery is not considered effective treatment for low back pain that is not caused by a herniated disc. Surgery Choices Surgical treatment for a herniated disc may include the following. Discectomy is used for bulging discs or ruptured discs or to remove disc fragments from the spinal canal.