Herniated disc, if left untreated for a long time, is there a problem?

Mr. TTThanh (HCMC) sent a question to the Neurosurgery - Spine section asking for a doctor's advice as follows: "I was diagnosed with L4, L5 disc herniation causing nerve compression. Because I was busy with work, I have not focused on treatment, recently I have more pain. Will this condition, if prolonged, be life-threatening? I am working on a project, so I will wait a few months until the project ends before going for treatment. If I am treated at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, what are the optimal options for my condition?"

Below is the answer of Dr. CKII Le Trong Nghia, Deputy Head of Neurosurgery - Spine Department, Nam Saigon International General Hospital.

L4-L5 lumbar disc herniation is a condition in which the nucleus pulposus in the disc escapes, causing nerve root compression. If left untreated for a long time, the herniated nucleus can compress more strongly, causing muscle atrophy, limb weakness, loss of sensation, and even urinary and bowel disorders. The disease is rarely life-threatening but can leave permanent sequelae if not treated promptly.

At Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, patients will be examined and undergo paraclinical tests to accurately assess the level of compression, from which one or a combination of treatment options will be proposed.

Conservative treatment: pain relievers, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and instructions on correct posture at work.

Endoscopic or microsurgery to decompress the nerve: applied for severe hernias, helps relieve pain quickly, is minimally invasive, and allows for early recovery. Patients can be discharged after 1-2 days.

Disc replacement surgery, spinal fixation: indicated when the spine is unstable or degenerates, severe spinal stenosis.

Pain relief blockade with steroids or radiofrequency waves: applied when there is no nerve compression but pain persists or the patient cannot have surgery.