Does microdiscectomy treat a herniated disc?

A herniated disc can irritate or compress a nearby spinal nerve, producing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels into an arm or leg. In a microdiscectomy, the surgeon removes the small portion of disc affecting the nerve while aiming to preserve the rest of the disc and nearby structures. The procedure treats nerve compression, not every source of back pain.

Many people are first offered non-surgical care such as suitable activity changes, pain management, and physiotherapy. Surgery becomes a consideration when symptoms continue, interfere with daily life, or include neurological changes despite appropriate treatment. A scan must match the symptoms before surgery is recommended.

Arrange an assessment with a spine or orthopaedic specialist if leg pain, numbness, or weakness persists. Bring a list of treatments tried, how symptoms affect walking or sleep, and any changes in strength. The clinician may compare your examination with imaging and discuss whether continued conservative care or microdiscectomy fits your situation.

After surgery, follow the wound, movement, lifting, and rehabilitation instructions provided by your team. Improvement in nerve symptoms can vary, particularly when compression has been present for a long time.

Get emergency help for new trouble urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs or genitals, or rapidly worsening weakness. These signs can indicate serious lower-spine nerve compression and need immediate assessment rather than a routine surgical consultation.

Ask which nerve is affected, whether the scan explains your symptoms, what non-surgical options remain, what microdiscectomy would remove, and which activities should be limited during recovery.