Herniated disc

The herniated disc is a disease in which part of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) moves to the nerve root, presses it and produces intense pain. Most hernias occur in the lower back (lumbar spine), although they can also occur in the neck (cervical spine).
The most common surgical procedure for a herniated disc is a microdiskectomy, which involves the removal of the herniated part of the disc (leaving most of the disc intact), with the aim of relieving pressure and providing a better healing environment by nerve. Microdiscectomy can usually be done on an outpatient basis or with a hospital night and most patients can return to full work in one to three weeks.