The timing of surgery for lumbar disc herniation is usually when conservative treatment is not working well, symptoms are getting worse, and imaging is more severe. Only the patient can appreciate the severity of the symptoms. Surgery should be considered when: First, if the pain is very severe and cannot be relieved, it means that the acute phase cannot be passed. The first is if the pain is so severe that it cannot be relieved, which means that it cannot survive the acute phase. After seeking the advice of the doctor, the prominence is also very serious, and further treatment should be considered, which means that it is time to consider surgery. The second time to consider is if the acute phase is over and numbness or even weakness occurs. The third time to consider surgery is if you have been in a lot of pain for a long time and have been unable to live a normal life, you should also seek the advice of your doctor to see if surgery is needed. Before the widespread clinical use of CT MRI, the duration of conservative treatment is usually 6 months. The fourth opportune time for surgery is when there are cauda equina symptoms and very severe clinical symptoms and very severe imaging, follow the doctor’s advice at this time without any consideration and have surgery. Doctor’s tip: The patient’s own experience of pain is the most important factor in deciding on surgery, followed by extensive communication with the doctor and following his or her advice.