Many patients arrive holding an MRI report that reads "disc herniation", already convinced surgery is next. The question we always ask is: what are you complaining of — not what does the picture say?
The image is not the pain
Multiple studies have found disc herniations in people with no pain whatsoever. Seeing a herniation on imaging does not automatically make it the source of your symptoms.
When do we recommend conservative care?
- Pain responds — even partially — within the first weeks of treatment
- There is no true muscular weakness in the limb
- No symptoms demand urgent intervention
In these cases, a disciplined six to twelve week rehabilitation programme is the internationally accepted first option.
When does surgery become the right call?
- Progressive muscle weakness or foot drop
- Loss of bladder or bowel control — a medical emergency requiring immediate action
- Severe pain that has not responded to a complete, properly followed conservative programme
And after surgery?
Surgery removes the pressure, but it does not restore strength or correct the habits that brought you here. Post-operative rehabilitation is not a luxury — it determines whether the result lasts.