If the disc is in the lower back, it can irritate the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain that radiates through the buttocks and down the leg. The good news is that, in most cases, 90% of the time the pain caused by a herniated disc goes away on its own within six months. The most important factor in healing a herniated disc is time, because most often it will resolve on its own. With proper treatment, about 90% of all patients with herniated discs manage to relieve pain and improve movement within six weeks.
If your symptoms last longer than six weeks, you may be at increased risk of a recurrent hernia, and recurrence occurs in approximately 5-10% of all patients, even those who undergo surgery.
