Is Surgery Always Necessary for Lumbar Disc Herniation?
Question: Does everyone need surgery?
Answer: No. In most patients, methods such as medication, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modification can be tried first. Surgery usually comes into consideration in selected situations such as:
- progressive neurological deficit,
- severe and treatment-resistant pain,
- conditions that seriously impair quality of life.
Three checklists when deciding on surgery
- Neurological status: Is there strength loss, is it increasing?
- Imaging + examination correlation: Are MRI findings consistent with symptoms?
- Has conservative treatment been tried with an appropriate duration and correct program?