Herniated lumbar disc presenting with pain and functional impairment managed at the first-line stage. Conservative care is the established starting point, given that symptoms can improve over time and the herniated mass may undergo spontaneous resorption.
The first-line strategy is conservative. It combines pharmacotherapy — covering both acute inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain components — with physical therapy modalities directed at symptom relief and functional restoration.
Alleviation of pain and improvement of physical function. Spontaneous improvement is possible over time; approximately 3 months is the guide timing within which the herniated mass may be resorbed naturally.