What does microdiscectomy treat?

A disc can bulge or rupture and narrow the space around a spinal nerve. The irritated nerve may cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from the lower back into the buttock and leg. During microdiscectomy, the surgeon removes the disc material or nearby tissue that is pressing on the nerve. The operation is aimed at the nerve pressure and its related symptoms; it does not treat every cause of back pain.

An MRI may help match the location of a disc problem with the symptoms and examination findings. A surgical microscope provides magnification and focused light while the surgeon works through a small opening. Microdiscectomy is most often discussed when symptoms remain troublesome despite appropriate non-surgical care, or when nerve function is worsening.

Before deciding, review your symptom pattern, examination, imaging, medicines, and other health conditions with the spine team. Ask which nerve is affected and what improvement is realistic. After surgery, follow the wound and activity instructions, walk as advised, and avoid lifting or twisting until your clinician clears it. Physiotherapy may support safe movement, trunk strength, and a gradual return to daily activities.

Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal severe nerve compression, including cauda equina syndrome. Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, severe new pain, or weakness that is getting worse.

Which finding shows that my symptoms come from a disc pressing on a nerve? What non-surgical options should I try first? Which symptoms should improve first, and what activity limits will apply after the operation?