Lumbar disc herniations

Lumbar disc herniations occur with relatively high frequency such that surgeons should be aware of prevention, management, and treatment strategies. Clinical presentation including assessment of location, morphology, symptoms, and imaging are crucial sources of information in the determination of the necessity for surgery. Conservative management may include one or a combination of medication, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. If needed and depending on the surgeon’s preference, minimally invasive microdiscectomies or endoscopic procedures may be utilized to treat patients. Ultimately, the ongoing debate between non-interventional and interventional approaches to treatment requires surgeons to make final decisions tailored to each patient.