90–95% of patients with disc prolapse (PLID) recover without an operation, with short bed rest, medicines and physiotherapy. Surgery is advised for those with leg or hand weakness, bladder problems, or pain that persists for months.
Operations
- Microscopic and endoscopic lumbar disc surgery, and microscopic foraminotomy
- Cervical discectomy and anterior cervical discectomy & fusion (ACDF)
- Laminectomy with screw fixation for multi-level degenerative spine disease and stenosis
- Surgery for spinal tumors, spinal tuberculosis and spinal fractures
Sudden leg weakness with difficulty passing urine (cauda equina syndrome) is an emergency — see a neurosurgeon immediately.