Common symptoms
Nerve root irritation may cause pain travelling from the back into a leg, or from the neck into an arm, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness. Scan findings need to be interpreted alongside symptoms and examination.
Does every disc herniation need surgery?
No. Many cases are first assessed for non-surgical care and follow-up. A surgical opinion may be considered when symptoms persist or limit function and the examination and imaging findings are consistent.
Seek emergency care
New or worsening leg weakness, numbness around the saddle area, or new difficulty controlling the bladder or bowel with severe lower back pain needs urgent assessment.