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The decision about treatment for low back pain and/or leg pain caused by disc herniation is not always simple or straightforward. You will want to discuss this with your surgeon. He or she has more information about the type and severity of the herniation.
Studies show that discectomy (disc removal) is more successful improving leg pain compared to back pain. Results do tend to vary from patient to patient, so there are no guarantees of the outcomes.
Nonoperative care is almost always advised first. This may include physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and sometimes steroid injections. Most doctors recommend at least six weeks up to six months of conservative care before trying surgery.
A recent study from Dartmouth Medical School compared the results of discectomy to nonoperative care for all types and locations of disc herniation. They reported similar pain relief no matter what kind or location of herniation was present. Patients were still reporting their pain relief was maintained up to two years later.
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