The most common cause of a herniated disc is degeneration, which occurs as a result of aging. However, it can also be caused by trauma or injury to the back, improper lifting techniques, repetitive motions, and other underlying conditions such as spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis.
The aim of the operation is not to completely remove the disc, but to remove the parts which are trapping the nerve and causing the pain. The emptying of the disc space is always only partial. There is, therefore, the risk of further disc material coming out of the space at a later date, but this is a rare complication. Other potential complications include infection, which can lead to long-term pain in the back if the disc itself is involved or nerve root damage which can lead to weakness or pain or both in the leg. If all the nerves in the spine at that level are affected (the Cauda Equina – horse’s tail) there could be loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function as well as leg problems. These complications are rare and microdiscectomy remains a very good treatment for sciatica if other treatments have failed.