Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Surgical decompression is the last option in the management of a lumbar disc disease with radiculopathy. The conservative management is as follows - * Avoid forward bending activities as it will worsen the disc protrusion * Use a lumbosacral back support to augment your spinal muscles * Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back * Intermittent pelvic traction to cause a regression of disc * Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese * Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants * Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided. * Epidural steroids are useful for patients with severe radicular pains in the limbs. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory preparation and so its injections in the epidural space can decrease swelling as well as pain. If all the above measures fail to provide you symptom relief, then surgery is indicated. Hope this information is helpful. Good day