When Do I Need Surgery for a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, placing pressure on surrounding nerves. This can happen in both the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions, leading to a wide range of disc symptoms. When a herniated disc compresses the spinal nerves, it may cause serious pain and nerve-related complications that require prompt evaluation and Herniated Disc Treatment.

In the neck, a cervical disc herniation may cause radiating pain into the shoulders and arm pain, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling. In the lower back, symptoms often include low back pain, weakness, or sharp nerve pain down the leg — commonly referred to as sciatica. These signs may also result from a lumbar disc herniation, particularly when nearby nerves are irritated or inflamed.

Patients often wonder, “Can a herniated disc cause hip pain?” The answer is yes. Depending on the affected nerve, pain may radiate into the hips, thighs, or even feet, resulting in discomfort, weakness, or tingling that can interfere with daily activities. In some cases, a slipped or ruptured disc may even trigger back and leg pain severe enough to limit mobility and impact daily function.

Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, it’s crucial to seek evaluation from interventional pain management physicians and neurosurgery teams, as their neck and spine expertise ensures both accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. This expert care helps patients avoid nerve damage and maintain spinal stability during their recovery journey.

The good news is that most people with herniated discs improve without surgery. In fact, when asking what percentage of herniated discs require surgery, you’ll find that the answer is relatively low, with most estimates ranging 5%–10%.

Surgery for herniated disc issues is usually considered when symptoms become severe or disabling. Criteria include unrelenting pain, significant weakness, or loss of function despite conservative care. Red flag symptoms, such as progressive neurological deficits or loss of bladder or bowel control, signal the need for urgent intervention. You may be considering surgery for a bulging disc in your lower back, addressing cervical issues, or managing persistent nerve compression. A thorough evaluation with a specialized care team will help guide you. Perhaps you’re wondering,  “When is surgery needed for a herniated disc in the neck?” The answer depends on the degree of herniated disc severity and how much it affects daily life. 

A careful, team-based approach with interventional pain management physicians and spine surgeons ensures patients make the safest and most informed choices about herniated disc surgery.

Most herniated discs improve naturally over time, which is why conservative treatment is often the first step. This may include physical therapy, medication, or targeted injections to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Physicians may also recommend epidural steroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation while the disc heals. 

When considering herniated disc surgery timing, doctors typically recommend several weeks to months of nonsurgical treatment before surgery is considered. Patients often ask, “How long can you go with a herniated disc before surgery?” While every case is different, many individuals see improvement within six to twelve weeks with consistent care and lifestyle adjustments. 

However, persistent pain, ongoing nerve symptoms, or reduced quality of life may shorten the time before surgery becomes necessary. Regular follow-up with your care team helps ensure that the best treatment path is chosen for your unique situation, allowing adjustments to care as worsening symptoms or functional decline occur.

At centers like Goodman Campbell, patients have access to advanced surgical options, including decompression procedures, spinal fusion, artificial disc replacement, and minimally invasive procedures that reduce trauma and speed up recovery.

Outcomes are particularly strong for lumbar procedures. The L4-L5 herniated disc surgery success rate and the L5-S1 herniated disc surgery success rate are both high, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and restored function. These success rates are even more encouraging when patients are stratified into well-matched treatment groups, ensuring personalized care.

Still, it’s natural to ask several questions, including:

When guided by an experienced care team, patients often transition from debilitating pain to renewed activity. This is an encouraging reminder of what’s possible with the right care to manage pain and protect long-term function.

Deciding whether to have surgery for a herniated disc is never simple, but with a supportive, expert care team of interventional pain management physicians and spine surgeons, patients can feel confident in their decisions.

At Goodman Campbell, patient-centered care is at the heart of every treatment plan. By listening and understanding the patient journey of each individual, doctors craft personalized learning paths that emphasize both safety and lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with severe pain or signs of worsening neurological symptoms, don’t wait. Explore your options, ask questions, read our patient recovery stories, and take the first step toward healing. The path to recovery can lead to renewed health, happiness, and resilience, one thoughtful decision at a time. Contact Goodman Campbell to request an appointment today.