Generally speaking, surgical treatment for a herniated disk is the last option your doctor will try, as it is the most invasive. Before you have surgery, you and your doctor will probably try other treatment methods, such as medications, rest or limited activity, chiropractic care that may include decompression therapy, physical therapy, and cold compresses and heat compresses. It is not until other measures have been exhausted that most doctors will turn to discectomy as the treatment of choice.

To read more about the pros and cons of a discectomy and microdiscectomy for herniated discs and how spinal decompression therapy maybe a suitable alternative see http://www.drx9000-spinal-decompression.com/discectomy-treatment-for-herniated-disks/.