When is microdiscectomy recommended for sciatica?

Sciatica describes irritation of a nerve that travels from the lower back into the buttock and leg. A disc fragment is one possible cause. Microdiscectomy removes the fragment when examination and imaging show that it is pressing on the symptomatic nerve. Surgery is aimed mainly at radiating leg pain and nerve symptoms, not every type of lower-back ache. If symptoms are manageable and strength is stable, a clinician may first recommend movement, medication, physiotherapy, and observation.

Note changes in walking, ankle or foot strength, numbness, and pain distribution. Continue gentle activity that does not worsen symptoms and avoid lifting or positions that sharply increase leg pain. Arrange review if symptoms are interfering with sleep, work, or basic movement. Your clinician can compare your examination with imaging and discuss expected recovery, alternatives, and risks.

Seek emergency care for new bladder or bowel-control problems, difficulty passing urine, numbness around the saddle area, or rapidly increasing weakness. These symptoms can signal serious compression of the lower spinal nerves. Prompt review is also needed if the foot begins to drag or walking becomes unsafe.

Ask whether a disc fragment explains your sciatica, how nerve strength will be monitored, what improvement is realistic, which activities need modification, and how rehabilitation will be planned.