Herniated disk

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	Bones of the spine	Herniated disk repair
Sciatic nerve

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Most people will improve with conservative treatment. A small percentage may continue to have chronic back pain even after treatment.

It may take several months to a year or more to resume all activities without pain or strain to the back. People with certain occupations that involve heavy lifting or back strain may need to change job activities to avoid recurrent back injury.

• Long-term back pain
• Loss of movement or sensation in the legs or feet
• Loss of bowel and bladder function
• Permanent spinal cord injury (very rare)

Call your health care provider if:

• You develop persistent, severe back pain develops
• You have any numbness, loss of movement, weakness, or bowel or bladder changes

Review Date: 05/25/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery (7/10/2009).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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