Herniated L5-S1 disc, sciatica, and microdiscectomy

[zeke]

I didn't want to cut in on the disc replacement discussion and thought that some of the people here might have experience with this situation.

I've had almost a year of sciatica from a herniated disc in the L5-S1 location. I haven't been able to detect any numbness or weakness, just the pain that comes and goes depending on the activity/position. I've been doing physical therapy every other day and stretching every day for the last year or so but the sciatica remains, especially after sitting for long periods and driving a car is the worst. It's been verified in an MRI and I've seen a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon. Both have recommended a microdiscectomy.

My question is has anyone on here had a microdiscectomy for this condition, and if so were they happy with it? Did your sciatica come back or did you have any other complications? I'm not looking for a second opinion, just any similar experiences. I tried the search function for sciatica, microdiscectomy, and herniated disc but didn't see these questions asked before.

I've been doing a lot of research on the internet and talked to my doctors but I'm still nervous about surgery on my spine. I'm 33 and had the disc bulge the first time about 10 years ago but it went away with physical therapy until recently.