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Surgery for herniated disk
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen surgery is your last remaining option, the goals are twofold:
- To keep the herniated disk from pressing on and irritating nerves
- To relieve pain
Though progressive weakness of your muscles and loss of bowel and bladder control suggest that surgery may be needed immediately, you may be advised to wait four to six weeks before deciding on surgery since most people see improvement by then. After that time has passed, the severity of your pain and its effect on your function often helps determine if you're a good candidate for surgery. If your discomfort isn't improving with nonsurgical treatments or the pain is getting progressively worse, then surgery may be a good option for you.
Minimally invasive procedures to treat herniated disk Nonsurgical treatments for herniated disk: Pros and cons
