Herniated Disc? Here’s When Surgery Makes Sense

A herniated disc can cause more than just back pain. For some, it brings shooting pain down the legs, numbness in the feet, or weakness that makes it hard to stand, walk, or even sit comfortably. The big question becomes: when is surgery actually the right choice?

The good news is that most herniated discs get better with non-surgical treatment. Rest, physical therapy, medications, and injections can all help calm the inflammation and give the disc time to heal.

But there are clear signs that surgery might be a better option.

• You’ve tried six or more weeks of conservative care with no real improvement
• The pain is severe and affecting your ability to work, sleep, or function
• You’re experiencing weakness in your legs or feet
• You have numbness or tingling that won’t go away
• There’s loss of bladder or bowel control — a medical emergency that requires immediate attention

Minimally invasive surgery, like a microdiscectomy, removes only the part of the disc pressing on your nerve. That means less trauma to surrounding tissue, faster recovery, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.

Your surgeon will recommend surgery only if the imaging matches your symptoms and you’ve already given other treatments a fair shot. It’s not about rushing into the operating room — it’s about giving your body the best chance at lasting relief.

Recovery from minimally invasive disc surgery is often shorter than people expect. Most return to light activity in a few weeks, with full recovery in a couple of months.

If your pain is worsening or you’re losing function, it’s time to have a conversation with a spine specialist. Living with pain isn’t a plan. Getting evaluated is.

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.