When does a patient with a disc herniation undergo lumbosacral discectomy?

Weakness, pain: Usually when the disk presses on a nerve root causing either significant pain -sciatica, or weakness in the leg.

When a 10 percenter: Only 10% of disc herniations require surgery. 1% have an emergency situation when involving bowel/ bladder control or there is a progressive weakness in a major muscle group. Otherwise, if after 12 weeks of nonop care, your symptoms of pain do not improve & the symptoms are severe enough, then surgery should be considered.90% of disc herniations get better without surgery with time the best care.

Surgery: If you have completed a proper work-up and have failed a reasonable period of conservative care ( at least 6-8 weeks ) and you are in significant pain that prevents you from doing your normal activities, then surgery is an option to discuss with your doctor. Check out spine-health.Com.