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In a study of people who had 6 to 12 weeks of severe sciatica related to a herniated disc, one group was assigned to have surgery soon (the surgery group). The other group (the non-surgical group) was assigned to try non-surgical treatments for 6 months, followed by surgery if their symptoms didn't improve.
When asked about their recovery 2 months after surgery or the start of non-surgical treatment, people in the surgery group felt better (closer to complete recovery) than people in the non-surgical group. But after 1 year, both treatment groups rated their recovery about the same.
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineDonald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineRobert B. Keller MD - OrthopedicsJeffrey N. Katz MD, MPH - Rheumatology
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Robert B. Keller MD - Orthopedics & Jeffrey N. Katz MD, MPH - Rheumatology
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