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The Daily Insight

How successful is back surgery for bulging disc?

Author

Isabella Ramos

Updated on March 01, 2026

Surgery for a lumbar herniated disc has a high rate of success. One extensive medical study reported good or excellent results for 84% of those having a microdiscectomy and nearly 80% for those having an endoscopic microdiscectomy.

Can an operation fix a bulging disc?

Discectomy. A discectomy is carried out to release the pressure on your spinal nerves caused by a bulging or slipped disc. As with a laminectomy, the surgeon will make an incision over the affected area of your spine down to the lamina.

Are bulging discs forever?

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.

Is disc bulge fully recoverable?

When is surgery needed for bulging disc?

Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven’t helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.

What is the best treatment for bulging disc?

Conservative Treatment. The first goal in the treatment of bulging disc is the relief of symptoms.

  • Surgical Treatment. If the conservative treatment modality is unsuccessful,the physician may recommend a surgical procedure.
  • Exercises. The goal of the exercises during the rehabilitation phase is to prevent the recurrence of back pain.
  • Will bulging disks heal on their own?

    Yes, it is very true. IN fact, more often discs heal on their own with little to no medical intervention needed. Majority of bulging discs to not require surgery, and over time will heal and reabsorb on their own.

    How long does a bulging disc take to heal?

    For some individuals it may take up to a year or two to completely recover from disc bulge while it may take far less time for another individual to recover from the same injury. This article gives a brief overview of how long does it take to heal from bulging disc and what are the factors that play a key role in the recovery process.

    What to do if you have a bulging disc in your lower back?

    Rest. As long as you can tolerate this,try it.

  • Take medication. When a disc herniates there’s a chemical reaction that creates an inflammatory response as the body tries to calm it down.
  • Try therapy.
  • Get an epidural steroid injection.