Lumbar disc herniation is a common degenerative spine condition resulting from displacement of intervertebral disc material beyond its normal confines, leading to compression or irritation of adjacent nerve roots. It most frequently affects the lower lumbar segments and is a major cause of radicular leg pain, commonly referred to as sciatica. While many cases resolve with conservative treatment, a subset requires neurosurgical intervention.

Patients typically present with lower back pain radiating into the buttock, thigh, or leg, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in a dermatomal distribution. Symptoms are exacerbated by movement, coughing, or prolonged sitting. Progressive neurological deficits or severe pain refractory to conservative therapy warrant surgical evaluation.

Neurosurgical assessment includes detailed neurological examination and imaging studies. Magnetic resonance imaging confirms disc pathology, nerve root compression, and associated degenerative changes. Correlation between clinical findings and imaging is essential to determine surgical candidacy.

Surgical management aims to decompress the affected nerve root and relieve symptoms. Procedures such as lumbar microdiscectomy are designed to remove herniated disc material while preserving spinal stability. Minimally invasive techniques may be employed to reduce tissue disruption and facilitate recovery.

Surgical outcomes are generally favorable when patient selection is appropriate. Postoperative care focuses on pain control, early mobilization, and prevention of recurrence through rehabilitation and ergonomic modification.

Lumbar disc herniation requiring surgery represents a well-defined neurosurgical condition with predictable outcomes when managed using evidence-based surgical principles.