Why it's done

A diskectomy is performed to relieve the pressure a herniated disk (also called a slipped, ruptured or bulging disk or disk prolapse) places on a spinal nerve. A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior.

Your doctor may recommend diskectomy if:

• You have trouble standing or walking because of nerve weakness
• Conservative treatment, such as physical therapy or steroid injections, fails to improve your symptoms after six to 12 weeks
• Pain radiating into your buttocks, legs, arms or chest becomes too much to manage