Herniated Disc & Sciatica Treatment in Northern Virginia and Maryland
A lumbar disc herniation happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer ring and presses on a nerve root. The result is sciatica: pain that travels from the buttock down the leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness in the foot. Back pain may or may not be present.
The encouraging truth is that most herniated discs improve on their own within 6–12 weeks. Surgery is reserved for people whose leg pain persists despite good conservative care, or who have significant weakness. When surgery is the right choice, a minimally invasive microdiscectomy takes about an hour, and most patients go home the same day.
Symptoms
- Pain radiating from the back or buttock into the thigh, calf or foot
- Numbness or tingling in a specific part of the leg or foot
- Weakness — foot drop, difficulty rising onto toes
- Pain worse with sitting, coughing or bending forward
- Rarely: loss of bladder or bowel control (an emergency)
How it is diagnosed
A physical examination often points to the involved nerve. MRI of the lumbar spine confirms the level and side of herniation.
When to seek urgent care
Go to an emergency department if you develop new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. These can indicate cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent surgery.
Treatment options
Without surgery
Time, activity modification, anti-inflammatories, a short course of oral steroids, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections.
Surgical options Dr. Daggubati offers
Common questions
How long is recovery after microdiscectomy?
Most patients walk the same day and return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. Lifting and bending are limited for about 4–6 weeks while the disc heals.
Will the disc herniate again?
Recurrence occurs in roughly 5–10% of patients. Protecting the disc in the first six weeks and maintaining core strength reduce that risk.
Do I need a fusion?
Almost never for a simple herniated disc. Fusion is reserved for instability, which is a different problem.
Not sure this is you?
Bring your imaging and your story. A single visit usually clarifies what is going on and which options are realistic. Request an appointment or call (301) 718-9611.