(Radicular leg pain from compressed spinal nerves) when conservative treatments fail after several weeks to months, or if there’s severe nerve compression causing weakness or loss of function.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Sciatica?
- ain lasting >6–12 weeks despite therapy, meds, and injections
- Severe leg pain limiting function or sleep
- Progressive weakness, foot drop, or loss of reflexes
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (emergency—may need urgent surgery)
Types of surgeries for sciatica
Microdiscectomy
Laminectomy and Laminotomy
Spinal fusion