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A 34-year-old male asked:

I am 34 years old and suffering with left leg pain and numbness from last one year. mri and ct scan done and found the disc slipped problem in l4 l5, ?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Karen Sibert
Anesthesiology 41 years experience
Might need surgery: A herniated disc is one of the most common reasons for needing back surgery, especially if it is causing weakness or numbness in the leg. See your doctor and get a consultation with a spine surgeon (usually an orthopedist or neurosurgeon). You don't want nerve problems to become permanent. A microdiskectomy can sometimes be done as day surgery. Hope you feel better.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Bradley Butkovich
Orthopedic Surgery 29 years experience
Exercise is always : The first line of treatment for any herniation. Surgery is never good as advertised especially in a young person. Most disc herniations improve over time but it can take 1-2 months. I tell my patients to start a gradual walking program. If you can walk 3 miles (about 5 k) you should be ok. Other sue steroids, steroid injections and/or surgery might be needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Jul 25, 2020

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