How do we check if l5 s1 disc herniation can be treated with exercise and medication and no surgery is required? visited spine surgeon, he checked with leg flexibility and i had no pain. bt pain while i get up from sitting position. suggested surgery?

Although indications for surgery may vary, the usual basics include intolerable pain unresponsive to treatment, progressive muscle weakness and/or atrophy, bladder compromise afflicting urinary function, cauda equina syndrome, and spinal cord involvement. An EMG study could objectify the extent of nerve compression. A second or even third opinion is recommended.